Multi-Functional Applicator Handpiece for Simultaneous Diathermy and Shock Wave Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current applicator handpieces are limited in that they can only administer a single type of treatment at a time, requiring users to switch handpieces for diathermy, ultrasound, and shock wave treatments, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional applicator handpiece that combines diathermy and shock wave treatments, featuring a piezoelectric transducer for generating shock waves and electrodes for high-frequency diathermic currents, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of treatments, along with a biocompatible design for ease of use and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-type handpiece is used for each treatment modality, then the treatment specificity is ensured, but the operational efficiency deteriorates due to the need to change handpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment modalities (diathermy electrodes and shock wave transducers) into a single integrated handpiece body. This allows the practitioner to perform different treatments sequentially or simultaneously without changing handpieces, directly resolving the contradiction by merging previously separate devices into one unified tool that maintains treatment specificity while improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating both diathermy electrodes and shock wave transducers in a single device. This enables the same handpiece to perform multiple treatment types (thermal and mechanical), eliminating the need for multiple specialized handpieces and thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliable treatment delivery
2Reliability
If multiple handpieces are used for different treatments, then the treatment effectiveness is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging diathermy and shock wave treatment capabilities into a single handpiece, the patent reduces the number of different handpiece types from multiple to one. This integration maintains treatment effectiveness for each modality while significantly reducing device complexity and the variety of handpieces required in the clinic
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the handpiece, which incorporates both electromagnetic (diathermy) and mechanical (shock wave) treatment capabilities, eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices. This multi-functional approach maintains the effectiveness of each treatment type while simplifying the overall device ecosystem
3Measurement precision
If handpiece changes are required for different treatments, then the treatment precision is ensured, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is pre-configured with all necessary treatment modalities (diathermy electrodes and shock wave transducers) integrated and ready for use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming handpiece changes during treatment transitions, as all treatment options are already in place within the single handpiece
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple treatment systems into one handpiece, the patent eliminates the time loss associated with changing handpieces. The integration allows immediate switching between treatment modalities without physical device changes, thereby maintaining treatment precision while eliminating time consumption
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
Enables synergistic combination of diathermy and shock wave treatments, improving treatment efficiency, reducing pain, and allowing intervention on multiple validated pathologies with a single instrument, while being safe, intuitive, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric transducer (14) housed inside said head (10), configured to transform a first pulsed electrical signal into vibrations generating shock waves
Implementation Method 2
a pair of shaped plates (30) receiving a second electrical signal having a frequency equal to or greater than 480 kHz to thus generate diathermic currents to transfer to said zone to be treated
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved applicator handpiece (2) for therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatments, comprising a head (10) configured to be placed in contact with the zone of the body of the subject to be treated, characterized in that said head (10) comprises: - at least one piezoelectric transducer (14) which receives a first pulsed electrical signal (20) configured to make said piezoelectric transducer generate shock waves of a pressure of about 1 - 1.5 bars directed on said zone to be treated, and - at least one pair of shaped plates (30) which receive at least a second electrical signal of frequency equal to or greater than 480 KHz to thus generate diathermic currents to transfer to said zone to be treated.