Modular Shockwave Probe Transducer with Interchangeable Focusing Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shockwave probe transducers require complex procedures to change the focal point, leading to potential water leakage and risk of damaging expensive ultrasonic systems and compromising safety during the process.

Innovation Solution

A modular shockwave probe transducer structure featuring a shock cup, magnetic disc, and focusing module with a circular cover and focusing member, allowing for simple focal point adjustments while preventing water leakage and ensuring safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the whole set of the shockwave probe is changed to change the focal point, then the focal point can be changed, but the changing procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal point change capabilityVSAvoidchanging procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable main body and interchangeable focusing modules. Each focusing module contains a specific focusing member (lens or reflector) that determines the focal characteristics. By segmenting the probe this way, users can change focal points by swapping only the focusing module rather than the entire probe, significantly simplifying the changing procedure and reducing treatment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the whole set of the shockwave probe is changed to change the focal point, then the focal point can be changed, but water leakage occurs and expensive system damage is risked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal point change capabilityVSAvoidwater sealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The focusing module is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit with its own sealing system. This includes a sealing ring that creates a waterproof barrier between the focusing module and the main probe body. By extracting the focusing function into a separate sealed module, the system maintains water tightness during module changes, preventing leakage that could damage expensive equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If conventional shockwave probe design is used, then the structure is simple, but changing focal point requires complicated procedures and poses safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal point adjustment easeVSAvoidprobe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe design incorporates dynamic interchangeability of focusing modules, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on treatment requirements. The focusing modules can be quickly swapped during procedures, enabling dynamic adjustment of focal points without complex reconfiguration. This dynamic approach improves ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies focal point changes, prevents water leakage, and safeguards against damage to expensive systems and human safety, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in ultrasonic or shockwave equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic disc, installed on the fixed disc in the housing, and having a shock plate fixed onto a surface of the magnetic disc proximate to the first opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a focusing module, detachably sealed and fixed onto the first opening, and a gap filled up with a medium being formed between the focusing module and the magnetic disc, and the focusing module including a circular cover and a focusing member installed between the circular cover and the shock cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS10028758B2Shockwave probe transducer structure
Publication Date: 2018.07.24 LITE MED
  • US10028758B2 patent drawing
  • US10028758B2 patent drawing
  • US10028758B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shockwave probe transducer structure includes a shock cup, a magnetic disc and a focusing module. The focusing module includes a circular cover and a focusing member installed between the circular cover and the shock cup. The focusing member is consisted of a focusing bag or a lens and a focusing bag closely coupled to each other. The focal point of the shockwave of the shockwave probe transducer structure can be changed by simply changing the focusing module installed at the front of the shockwave probe transducer structure, so as to overcome the problems of complicated changing procedure and possible water leakage and avoid the risk of damaging an expensive shockwave system or jeopardizing the safety of people.