Oblique-Focal-Point Shock Wave Reflector for Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock wave therapy technologies struggle to accurately target and focus energy to treat chronic soft tissue diseases, often resulting in ineffective treatments and patient discomfort due to improper placement of focal points, leading to pain and potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilizes an applicator and reflector system to deflect and focus shock waves, where the focal point is obliquely positioned relative to the thrust direction, minimizing unfocused penetration and allowing for precise intensity adjustment through neurophysiological monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the focal point is positioned in the thrust direction of the applicator, then the shock wave delivery is simplified, but the primary shock wave directly impinges on the tissue causing patient discomfort and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the focal point not in the thrust direction but at an oblique angle relative to the applicator axis. The reflection surface is configured to deflect the shock wave generated by the projectile impact, redirecting it to the oblique focal point. This inversion prevents the primary shock wave from directly impinging on the tissue while still achieving effective shock wave delivery to the treatment target.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the focal point is positioned obliquely relative to the thrust direction, then patient discomfort is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the reflector system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflection surface as an intermediary element between the applicator and the treatment target. This reflector serves as a mediator that redirects the shock wave from the applicator's thrust direction to the oblique focal point. By using this intermediary, the system achieves reduced patient discomfort through oblique focal point positioning while managing the added complexity through a relatively simple reflective surface configuration.
3Productivity
If the primary shock wave directly impinges on the tissue, then the treatment area is easily reached, but the shock wave intensity cannot be adequately controlled leading to injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the direct impingement approach by using an oblique focal point configuration with a reflection surface. This allows the treatment area to remain accessible while the shock wave intensity is controlled through the deflection and focusing mechanism, preventing excessive intensity and associated injuries.
4Manufacturing precision
If electrohydraulic, electromagnetic or piezoelectric methods are used for focusing shock waves, then precise focusing is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric focusing systems with a simpler mechanical reflection-based focusing approach. By using a reflection surface to deflect and focus the shock wave to an oblique focal point, the system achieves precise focusing comparable to the more complex electrical methods but with significantly reduced device complexity and cost.
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 precise targeting of shock waves, reducing patient discomfort and treatment-related injuries by adjusting wave intensity and penetration depth, facilitating objective pain assessment and therapeutic success through electroencephalographic monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector (3) having at least one reflection surface (9) and a focal point (11) on which shock waves may be focused by the reflection surfaces (9)
Implementation Method 2
a shock wave being capable of being emitted from at least one application surface (8) in a thrust direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for deflecting and focusing shock waves, a utilisation of a device (1) for deflecting and focusing shock waves, and a method of focusing and deflecting a shock wave are proposed, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one applicator (2), with at least one applicator (2) having at least one application surface (8) and a shock wave being capable of being emitted from at least one application surface (8) in a thrust direction, and at least one reflector (3), with at least one reflector (3) having at least one reflection surface (9) and a focal point (11) on which shock waves may be focused by the reflection surfaces (9), with the focal point (11) not being located in a thrust direction, whereby the primary shock wave may, in particular, be prevented from impinging on the tissue to be treated.