Handheld Focused Shock Wave Therapy with Adjustable Focal Depth

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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 a microcontroller and piezoelectric elements that generate focused shock waves using interchangeable standoff structures, allowing for adjustable focal depths and constructive wave combination without external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known f-ESWT devices use a trolley-mounted base unit with AC wall outlet connection to generate high voltage pulses, then the shock wave generation capability is achieved, but the device portability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock wave generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a handheld housing containing piezoelectric elements and a separate base unit containing control electronics. The handheld portion can be used independently with battery power, while the base unit provides additional functionality when connected to AC power. This segmentation enables portable operation while maintaining full functionality when docked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the AC wall outlet electrical connection system with a battery-powered system. The handheld housing contains a battery that provides electrical power to the piezoelectric elements, eliminating the need for a mechanical connection to a base unit and AC outlet, thereby enabling portable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If known f-ESWT devices use a base unit with control electronics and electrical cable connection, then the shock wave generation is reliable, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock wave generation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control electronics and power generation components are extracted from the handheld portion and placed in a separate base unit. The handheld housing contains only the essential piezoelectric elements and battery, simplifying its structure. The base unit houses the complex control electronics, cable management, and AC power connection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit serves multiple functions: it provides AC power connection for extended operation, houses control electronics for device operation, and acts as a docking station for the handheld portion. This multi-functionality consolidates complex features into a single stationary unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If known f-ESWT devices require AC wall outlet connection for high voltage pulse generation, then the energy supply is sufficient, but the device adaptability to different environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply sufficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device operates in two dynamic modes: battery-powered portable mode for mobile use and AC-powered stationary mode for extended operation. The system can transition between these modes, adapting to different environmental requirements and user needs, thereby increasing environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery serves as an intermediary energy storage device between the AC power source and the piezoelectric elements. It enables the device to operate independently of AC power by storing electrical energy, while still allowing connection to AC power through the base unit for recharging and extended operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution for generating focused shock waves, suitable for various medical and veterinary applications, with adjustable focal depths and minimal side effects.

Implementation Method 1

driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements to generate a focused shock wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12377017B2Handheld focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy device, kit, and method

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 CURATIVE SOUND LLC

AI summary

A method of generating a focused shock wave with a handheld focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) device includes driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements to generate a focused shock wave based on a first plurality of time delays when a first standoff structure is removably connected to a handheld housing of the f-ESWT device, and driving the plurality of piezoelectric elements to generate the focused shock wave based on a second plurality of time delays when a second standoff structure is removably connected to the handheld housing of the f-ESWT device, the second plurality of time delays different from the first plurality of time delays, and the second standoff structure different from the first standoff structure.