Hexapod-Driven Shock Wave Source for Acoustic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air bubbles at the exterior surface of the cushion in lithotripsy devices can reduce the efficiency of ultrasound and shock wave treatments by causing reflection and refraction of high energy pulses.
Innovation Solution
A hexapod drive is used to move the ultrasound and/or shockwave source towards the patient, performing lateral and rotational movements to remove air bubbles from the coupling gel at the top of the exit section of the cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cushion is stationary and air bubbles are present in the coupling gel, then the setup is simple and quick, but air bubbles cause reflection and refraction of high energy pulses reducing treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with a movable exit section that can be dynamically adjusted relative to the patient film. The exit section can move in lateral directions and rotate about the longitudinal axis to change the orientation of the coupling gel surface, thereby removing air bubbles that would otherwise reflect or refract the high energy pulses and reduce treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the actual treatment, the exit section is positioned and oriented to ensure proper coupling. The system performs preliminary lateral movements and rotational adjustments to eliminate air bubbles from the coupling gel at the interface between the cushion and patient film, ensuring optimal energy transmission before treatment begins.
2Ease of operation
If the exit section is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but air bubbles cannot be removed from the coupling gel
Solution Approach 1:
The exit section is equipped with movable components that allow it to shift laterally and rotate about the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability enables the exit section to adjust its position and orientation to remove air bubbles from the coupling gel, improving ease of operation while adding controlled complexity to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is divided into distinct functional sections: a fixed body portion and a movable exit section. This segmentation allows the exit section to be independently adjusted to remove air bubbles, while the rest of the cushion structure remains simple and stable.
3Productivity
If lateral and rotational movements are performed to remove bubbles, then air bubble removal is effective, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exit section incorporates quick-adjust mechanisms that enable rapid lateral movements and rotational adjustments. This dynamic design allows the system to remove air bubbles efficiently through minimal setup time, balancing bubble removal effectiveness with time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or sequential adjustments of the exit section position and orientation. By performing lateral movements and rotations in a controlled sequence, the system effectively removes air bubbles while minimizing the total time required for setup.
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 solution effectively removes air bubbles, improving the coupling of ultrasound and shock wave energy to the patient and enhancing the efficiency of the treatment.
Implementation Method 1
There may be a layer of coupling gel, also known as ultrasound gel or acoustic gel at the top of the exit section to allow further coupling of the ultrasound and/or shock-wave energy via the patient film or directly to the patient.
Implementation Method 2
Such air bubbles may cause reflection and/or refraction of the high energy pulses and therefore may reduce the efficiency of treatment.
Implementation Method 3
Such air bubbles may cause reflection and/or refraction of the high energy pulses and therefore may reduce the efficiency of treatment.
Implementation Method 4
Lithotripters which generate high energy pulses to disintegrate concrements in a human body may have shock wave and/or ultrasound sources within a reflector filled with water.
Implementation Method 5
Lithotripters which generate high energy pulses to disintegrate concrements in a human body may have shock wave and/or ultrasound sources within a reflector filled with water.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ultrasound and/or shockwave source is suspended on a hexapod drive. It is configured to moving the ultrasound and/or shock-wave source by the hexapod drive towards a patient film or a patient while at the same time performing at least one lateral and/or rotational movement.