Focused Shock Wave Handpiece With Interchangeable Standoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) devices are large, expensive, and require a connection to an AC wall outlet for operation, limiting their portability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, battery-powered ESWT device with interchangeable standoff structures that generate focused shock waves using a piezoelectric transducer assembly, operated independently of external power sources, allowing for portable and user-friendly treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If known f-ESWT devices use a trolley-mounted base unit with AC wall outlet connection, then high voltage pulse generation and shock wave production are achieved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a handheld transducer handpiece that directly generates shock waves, and a separate rechargeable battery pack that provides power. This segmentation allows the power source to be portable while maintaining the capability for high voltage pulse generation through wireless energy transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (physical cable connecting base unit to handpiece) with a wireless energy transfer system using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for AC wall outlet connection and physical cables, enabling portable operation while maintaining high power output capability
2Device complexity
If known f-ESWT devices use a trolley-mounted base unit with electrical cable connection, then control electronics and power electronics are housed centrally, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control electronics, power electronics, and transducer components into a single integrated handheld unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate base unit and electrical cable connection, simplifying the overall system architecture and making the device easier to operate as a unified portable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld transducer handpiece is designed to perform multiple functions: generating high voltage pulses, producing shock waves, and providing therapeutic treatment. This multi-functionality in a single device eliminates the need for separate base unit and handpiece system, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality
3Duration of action of stationary object
If known f-ESWT devices require AC wall outlet connection, then continuous power supply is ensured, but device portability and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic power delivery system using electromagnetic coupling between the handheld unit and battery pack. This allows for flexible, adaptable power transfer without physical connection, enabling the device to be used in various locations and positions while maintaining continuous power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic field coupling as an intermediary between the battery pack and transducer handpiece. This intermediary enables wireless energy transfer, allowing the device to operate continuously without AC wall outlet connection and significantly improving portability and accessibility to various treatment locations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a portable, whisper-quiet, and cost-effective solution for ESWT, enabling self-contained treatment without the need for external power connections, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
generate focused shock waves using a piezoelectric transducer assembly
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of individual shock waves is transmitted through the rigid exterior shell and the elastomeric interior of a selected standoff structure
Data Source
AI summary
A focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) system includes an f-ESWT device and a plurality of interchangeable standoff structures. The f-ESWT device includes a housing. The f-ESWT device is configured to generate a focused shock wave as a combination of a plurality of individual shock waves. Each standoff structure is configured for removable connection to the housing to receive and to transmit the plurality of individual shock waves. Each standoff structure of the plurality of interchangeable standoff structures includes a rigid exterior shell defining a shell space, and an elastomeric interior at least partially located in the shell space. The plurality of individual shock waves is transmitted through the rigid exterior shell and the elastomeric interior of a selected standoff structure of the plurality of interchangeable standoff structures that is removably connected to the housing.