Mobile Pressure Wave Generator for Lithotripsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripsy devices face challenges during endourology procedures due to the cumbersome and complex kinematics of the pressure wave generator, which limits its positioning and exposes it to damage when not in use, and lacks protection in retracted positions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure wave treatment apparatus with a guide structure that allows the generator to move between treatment and retracted positions, featuring a cam system and locking mechanism for precise positioning, and a protective housing with a cover to secure the generator during retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure wave generator is positioned in a retracted position inside the housing, then the generator is protected against damage, but the generator remains in the field of intervention hindering endourology procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure wave generator is completely extracted from the treatment table's field of intervention by removing the entire treatment table from the operating room and placing the generator in a separate protected housing. This allows endourology procedures to be performed on the patient without the generator hindering access, while the generator remains safely stored in its housing when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure wave generator is moved away from the treatment table, then access for endourology procedures is improved, but the generator is exposed to risks of improper handling and collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is extracted from the treatment table assembly entirely and placed in a separate protected housing located away from the operating room. This physical separation removes the generator from the field of intervention, eliminating exposure to improper handling and collisions while maintaining easy access for endourology procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure wave generator is nested within a protective housing structure that contains it during non-use periods. The housing acts as a protective container, similar to a nested doll, where the generator is stored safely inside when not required for treatment, thereby protecting it from damage while occupying minimal space.
3Productivity
If the pressure wave generator is positioned in a treatment position outside the housing, then the generator can be used for lithotripsy treatments, but the generator is exposed to risks of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static protected position to a dynamic treatment position only when needed. The generator remains in its protected housing state by default and is temporarily moved to the treatment position on the treatment table solely during lithotripsy procedures. This dynamic positioning ensures protection during storage while enabling treatment when required.
4Productivity
If the pressure wave generator is kept in a fixed position on the treatment table, then the generator is readily available for treatment, but the generator causes discomfort during endourology procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The generator's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can be quickly deployed to the treatment table when lithotripsy treatment is needed and returned to its protected housing when not in use. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different procedural requirements, providing readiness for treatment while eliminating interference with endourology procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4D
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has a pressure wave generator (3) mounted at an end of an arm (7) supported by a guiding structure (8). The wave generator is mounted on a chassis (2) by the guiding structure. A display screen (35) e.g. LCD, is mounted in a cover (40) supported by a displacing structure (41) to place the cover in a closing position of an opening (12) and an outward position of the opening for authorizing an outlet of the generator. A blocking system blocks the cover on the chassis in the closing position of the opening.