Handheld Piezoelectric Shock Wave Therapy With Battery Pulse Generation
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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 that generates focused shock waves using a piezoelectric transducer assembly powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with interchangeable standoff structures for adjustable focal depth, and a microcontroller for operation and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If known f-ESWT devices use a trolley-mounted base unit with AC wall outlet connection to generate high voltage pulses, then shock wave generation capability is achieved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a handheld unit containing the battery and transducer, and a separate base unit for charging and storage. This segmentation allows the therapeutic portion to be portable while the power supply can be recharged when needed, resolving the contradiction between portability and power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the AC wall outlet electrical connection system with a battery-powered system. The handheld device uses a rechargeable battery to generate the necessary high voltage pulses through piezoelectric transducers, eliminating the need for mechanical connection to external power sources and enabling portability.
2Reliability
If known f-ESWT devices use a base unit with control electronics and power electronics to generate shock waves, then shock wave therapy function is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The essential shock wave generation components (battery and piezoelectric transducer) are extracted and placed in a compact handheld unit, while the bulkier base unit serves only for charging and storage. This extraction allows the therapeutic function to be miniaturized and portable without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a charging station for the battery, a storage case for the handheld device, and potentially a control interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining therapeutic reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If known f-ESWT devices require connection to AC wall outlet for power supply, then continuous operation capability is achieved, but operational flexibility and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system transitions from a static AC wall outlet connection to a dynamic battery-powered system. The battery can be recharged when needed and provides portable power for use in various locations, making the device adaptable to different environments and usage scenarios while maintaining sufficient operation duration through rechargeable capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from fixed AC mains power to portable battery power with configurable capacity. This parameter change enables the device to operate in locations without AC power while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness, significantly improving operational flexibility and adaptability.
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 portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly ESWT capable of generating focused shock waves without external power sources, enhancing treatment flexibility and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a DC pre-charge voltage to each piezoelectric element of a plurality of piezoelectric elements located in a handheld housing of the shock wave device to form pre-charged piezoelectric elements. The DC pre-charge voltage is supplied by a battery of the shock wave device located in the handheld housing. The method further includes supplying an opposite polarity DC drive voltage pulse to each of the pre-charged piezoelectric elements of the plurality of piezoelectric elements to cause each of the pre-charged piezoelectric elements to generate an individual shock wave.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a shock wave device includes supplying a DC pre-charge voltage to each piezoelectric element of a plurality of piezoelectric elements located in a handheld housing of the shock wave device to form pre-charged piezoelectric elements. The DC pre-charge voltage is supplied by a battery of the shock wave device located in the handheld housing. The method further includes supplying an opposite polarity DC drive voltage pulse to each of the pre-charged piezoelectric elements of the plurality of piezoelectric elements to cause each of the pre-charged piezoelectric elements to generate an individual shock wave. The opposite polarity DC drive voltage pulse supplied by the battery.