Hollow Elastomeric Applicator for Gentle Shock Wave Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for treating the human or animal body with shock waves and macroscopic strokes often struggle with effective application on sensitive areas like cartilage and bone, due to inadequate adaptation and risk of slipping, especially on vertebrae, and lack gentleness in coupling strokes and shock waves.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a hollow, elastomeric applicator having a maximum Shore hardness of 60 Sh or less, designed to gently couple strokes and shock waves into the body, featuring a soft and strong material composition that prevents slipping and adapts well to protruding body contours, combined with a ballistic mechanism for generating strokes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hard applicator is used to deliver shock waves, then the shock wave generation is effective, but the applicator slips on sensitive body areas like vertebrae and causes discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock wave generation effectivenessVSAvoidapplicator stability on body surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates a hollow front area made of elastomeric material that can deform elastically under compression, allowing it to conform to sensitive body contours like vertebrae while maintaining stable contact during stroke delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material's Shore hardness is specifically controlled (maximum 60 Sh) to balance between providing sufficient structural support for shock wave generation and enabling soft, compliant contact with sensitive body areas to prevent slipping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the applicator material is made softer to prevent slipping, then the gentleness and adaptability improve, but the mechanical strength may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegentleness on sensitive areasVSAvoidapplicator mechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator features a hollow front area with elastomeric material specifically at the contact zone for gentleness and adaptability, while the rear portion maintains sufficient structural strength to transmit the shock wave effectively without requiring the entire applicator to be soft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator combines elastomeric material (for soft contact) with other materials in the rear portion (providing structural support), creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves gentleness on sensitive areas and sufficient mechanical strength for shock wave delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the elastomeric material thickness is increased to improve adaptability, then the geometric adaptation improves, but the applicator size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric adaptation to body contoursVSAvoidapplicator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow front area is designed with a specific curved geometry that naturally adapts to protruding body contours like vertebrae, achieving high adaptability through shape design rather than requiring excessive material thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material forms a hollow shell structure that provides adaptability through its inherent flexibility and deformability, achieving effective geometric adaptation with controlled material thickness rather than requiring thick, complex structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 apparatus effectively applies strokes and shock waves to sensitive areas with reduced risk of slipping and improved geometric adaptation, ensuring gentle treatment while maintaining mechanical strength and adaptability, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

the elastomeric material has a thickness at said hollow shape in said stroke direction of at least 3 mm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

designed to gently couple strokes and shock waves into the body, featuring a soft and strong material composition that prevents slipping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 3

a shock wave is initiated by the collision of a pneumatically accelerated striking member or projectile with an impact body or applicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave generation: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 4

a pneumatically accelerated striking member or projectile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic acceleration: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentUS11986433B2Shock wave apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 STORZ MEDICAL

AI summary

The invention relates to a shock wave apparatus for treating the human or animal body with an applicator which is intended to couple strokes into the body and has a hollow shape at a front area intended to be placed on the body and a relatively soft elastomeric material with a maximum Shore A hardness of 60 Sh.