Lithotripsy Sonotrode Cooling via Segmented Drainage Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithotripsy devices face challenges in effective cooling and design, particularly with the integration of irrigation channels that restrict the placement of ultrasound generators and pose safety risks due to the potential for electrical components to come into contact with irrigation fluid.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a discharge channel formed by a gap between the cap and the sonotrode/ultrasonic horn, allowing for improved cooling by directing irrigation fluid to surround and cool these components, while also separating irrigation fluid from electrical components to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an irrigation channel extends through the entire sonotrode and ultrasonic horn, then cooling is provided, but the design becomes more complex and electrical components must be positioned carefully to avoid contact with irrigation fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is segmented into two separate channels: an irrigation channel that delivers fluid to the sonotrode and a drainage channel that collects and drains the fluid. This segmentation allows the irrigation fluid to be contained and directed through specific pathways, providing cooling to the sonotrode and ultrasonic horn without requiring electrical components to be positioned in restricted areas, thereby reducing design complexity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is extracted from the irrigation channel as a separate drainage channel. This extracted drainage channel is configured to drain irrigation fluid from the irrigation channel and is positioned to cool the sonotrode and ultrasonic horn. By separating the drainage function, the design allows electrical components to be positioned away from irrigation fluid contact zones while maintaining effective cooling.
2Device complexity
If the drainage channel is formed by a gap between the cap and sonotrode/ultrasonic horn, then cooling efficiency is improved and design is simplified, but the gap must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel is merged with the gap between the cap and the sonotrode/ultrasonic horn assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate, independently manufactured drainage channel structure. The gap itself serves as the drainage pathway, simplifying the overall design and reducing the number of components while still providing effective cooling through the drainage of irrigation fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the cap and sonotrode/ultrasonic horn serves multiple functions: it acts as a drainage channel for irrigation fluid, provides a cooling pathway for the sonotrode and ultrasonic horn, and maintains structural alignment between components. This multi-functionality reduces design complexity while the precise gap dimensions are controlled through standard manufacturing tolerances of the cap and horn assemblies.
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
This configuration enhances cooling efficiency, simplifies the device design, and increases safety by preventing electrical conduction, thus reducing heat buildup and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
the drainage channel... designed to cool the sonotrode and/or the ultrasound horn by means of the drained irrigation fluid
Implementation Method 2
designed to cool the sonotrode and/or the ultrasound horn by means of the drained irrigation fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lithotripsy device, in particular an intracorporeal lithotripsy device, comprising at least one sonotrode (10a, 10b) configured for applying ultrasonic waves to concretions, at least one ultrasonic horn (12a, 12b) configured for focusing and/or transmitting ultrasonic waves to the sonotrode (10a, 10b), at least one irrigation channel (14a, 14b) configured for conveying an irrigant and extending at least partially through the sonotrode (10a, 10b) and/or the ultrasonic horn (12a, 12b), at least one cap (16a) arranged to at least partially surround the sonotrode (10a, 10b) and/or the ultrasonic horn (12a, 12b), and at least one drainage channel (18a, 18b) designed for fluidic drainage of the Irrigats is connected to the irrigation channel (14a, 14b). It is proposed thatthat the drainage channel (18a, 18b) is at least partially formed by a gap (20a) enclosed between the cap (16a) and the sonotrode (10a, 10b) and/or the ultrasound horn (12a, 12b) and is designed to cool the sonotrode (10a, 10b) and/or the ultrasound horn (12a, 12b) by means of the drained irrigation fluid.