HIFU Cartridge Focus Positioning for Multiple Treatment Depths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound apparatus cartridges are limited to a single treatment depth, requiring replacement for different depths, complicating procedures and extending treatment time.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge with a moving device that includes a transducer and a moving mechanism allowing the focus of high-intensity focused ultrasound to be adjusted along multiple directions, enabling treatment at various depths without replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the transducer is fixed to a treatment part of one treatment depth, then the structure is simple, but the cartridge needs to be replaced to perform treatment at different depths, complicating the procedure and extending treatment time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransducer structureVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer is made movable along the ultrasound propagation direction through a moving device that includes a moving main body, moving block, and guide rods. This dynamic structure allows the transducer to be positioned at different treatment depths without replacing the entire cartridge, thus reducing procedure time while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is divided into functional modules: a fixed cartridge main body and a movable transducer assembly. The moving device segments the transducer positioning function from the overall cartridge structure, allowing independent adjustment of treatment depth while keeping the rest of the system simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the transducer is fixed to a treatment part of one treatment depth, then the cartridge structure is simple, but multiple cartridges are needed for different treatment depths, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge structureVSAvoidtreatment depth range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moving device enables a single cartridge to perform multiple treatment depths by allowing the transducer to be positioned at different locations along the ultrasound propagation direction. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized cartridges, reducing overall device complexity while increasing adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic positioning mechanism allows one cartridge structure to adapt to multiple treatment depths, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-depth cartridges. The moving block and guide rod system enables continuous adjustment of transducer position for different treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the transducer moves in a straight line reciprocal motion at one treatment depth, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot treat multiple depths without replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoving mechanismVSAvoidtreatment depth capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moving device transforms the simple straight line reciprocal motion into a multi-depth capable mechanism by allowing the transducer to be repositioned along the ultrasound propagation direction. The moving main body and moving block system maintains mechanical simplicity while enabling depth adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism adds the dimension of depth adjustment to the traditional straight line reciprocal motion. By incorporating the moving block that can be engaged with the transducer at different positions, the system gains the ability to operate at multiple depths while maintaining the simplicity of linear motion during treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 cartridge allows for simplified treatment procedures and reduced treatment time by enabling multiple depth treatments with a single cartridge, enhancing treatment efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer that is provided in the cartridge main body and generates a high-intensity focused ultrasound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

irradiating high-intensity focused ultrasound into the skin tissue... irradiating high-intensity focused ultrasound into the subcutaneous fat layer to non-invasively burn or melt and decompose fatty tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocused ultrasound heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a first moving member that moves the moving block along the first direction and moves a focus of the high-intensity focused ultrasound along the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Implementation Method 4

a second moving portion that moves the moving block along a direction inclined with respect to and moves the focus of the high-intensity focused ultrasound along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP4699654A1Ultrasonic device cartridge enabling procedure at multiple procedure depths, and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VIOL CO LTD
  • EP4699654A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4699654A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4699654A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cartridge for an ultrasound apparatus according to the present invention includes: a cartridge main body; a transducer that is provided in the cartridge main body and generates a high-intensity focused ultrasound; and a moving device that is provided in the cartridge main body and moves the transducer, wherein the moving device includes: a moving main body moving along a first direction; a moving block that is connected to the moving main body and moving together with the transducer by being engaged with the transducer; a first moving member that moves the moving block along the first direction and moves a focus of the high-intensity focused ultrasound along the first direction; and a second moving portion that moves the moving block along a direction inclined with respect to and moves the focus of the high-intensity focused ultrasound along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.