Combined PEMF and Shockwave Transducer for Tissue Healing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease, such as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and low intensity shockwave treatment, do not effectively combine to enhance penile hemodynamics and tissue healing simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A combined device using current conducting coils to produce pulsed electromagnetic fields and low intensity shockwaves, where a conductive membrane intercepts part of the electromagnetic field to generate acoustic waves, while another portion directly propagates to the tissue, with adjustable geometry and timing control for optimal field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate PEMF and LISW treatments are applied, then each treatment can be optimized independently, but the combined therapeutic effect for penile hemodynamics and tissue healing is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PEMF and LISW treatments into a single integrated device where a current conducting coil generates electromagnetic fields that are converted to acoustic waves by a membrane, delivering both electromagnetic and mechanical stimulation simultaneously to the same tissue area, thereby enhancing the combined therapeutic effect for penile hemodynamics and tissue healing
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transducer serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic fields directly, converts them to acoustic waves through membrane oscillation, and delivers both types of energy to the target tissue. This multi-functional design allows one device to provide both PEMF and LISW therapies that would otherwise require separate treatment systems
2Device complexity
If a single coil is used for both PEMF and LISW generation, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over field distribution and timing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic field generation and acoustic wave production into distinct functional zones within a single coil system. The coil generates electromagnetic fields that are spatially segmented, with one portion intercepted by the membrane for acoustic wave generation and another portion allowing direct electromagnetic field propagation to tissue, enabling independent control of each field type's distribution
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electromagnetic field are assigned different functions: one region is directed at the membrane for acoustic wave conversion, while another region allows direct electromagnetic field penetration to tissue. This local differentiation of field quality and function enables precise control over where each type of energy is delivered, maintaining treatment precision despite using a unified coil structure
3Productivity
If electromagnetic and acoustic waves are delivered simultaneously, then treatment time is reduced, but synchronization precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined relationships between electromagnetic field generation and acoustic wave production through the membrane's inherent response characteristics. The membrane's natural oscillation frequency and response time to electromagnetic stimulation are utilized to automatically synchronize the two fields, eliminating the need for complex real-time timing control while maintaining precise synchronization for enhanced therapeutic effect
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 combination significantly improves penile hemodynamics and tissue healing by synchronizing electromagnetic and acoustic wave propagation, enhancing treatment efficacy for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease.
Implementation Method 1
Current pulses delivered to the conducting coil produce an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
One portion of the electromagnetic field is intercepted by the membrane, giving rise to acoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treatment includes using an electrical energizing source coupled to a current conducting coil to cause the current conducting coil to produce pulsed electromagnetic fields. A conducting membrane is placed adjacent the current conducting coil and an insulating coupling interface is placed adjacent the membrane, such that the membrane is between the current conducting coil and the insulating coupling interface. One portion of the pulsed electromagnetic fields is intercepted by the membrane so that the membrane oscillates to generate acoustic waves to tissue adjacent the insulating coupling interface and another portion of the pulsed electromagnetic fields propagates through the insulating coupling interface to the tissue.