Double-Valve Pressure Wave Timing for Impact and Return Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for generating mechanical pressure waves using pneumatic means for medical treatment lack precise control over the impact speed and return speed of projectiles, leading to potential patient discomfort and inefficiencies due to reliance on single-valve systems and pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A double valve system is introduced, allowing for separate control of projectile movement towards and away from the applicator, with adjustable separation and overlap times between valve activations, enabling independent control of impact speed and return speed without altering pneumatic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switching valve is used for pneumatic acceleration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over impact speed and return speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve system is segmented into two separate valves: a first switching valve for controlling the forward movement (acceleration towards applicator) and a second switching valve for controlling the return movement (acceleration away from applicator). This segmentation allows independent control of impact speed and return speed, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and control precision.
2Speed
If pneumatic pressure is increased to accelerate projectile return, then the return speed is improved, but the impact speed increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic pressure control is segmented into two independent systems: one controlling the forward acceleration (impact phase) and another controlling the return acceleration (recovery phase). This allows the return speed to be increased for faster operation frequency without increasing the impact speed, thereby eliminating patient discomfort while improving return performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pneumatic pressure application timing through controlled separation time between valve activations. By dynamically controlling when the first valve closes and when the second valve opens, the system can optimize both impact and return speeds independently, allowing high return speed without corresponding increase in impact speed.
3Measurement precision
If valve opening times are adjusted to control impact speed, then the impact physics control is improved, but the system becomes less robust to valve aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent valve control channels, allowing separate optimization and monitoring of forward and return movements. This independence means that aging effects on one valve do not directly compromise the other, improving overall system robustness while maintaining precise impact physics control through the first valve's timing adjustments.
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 system allows for precise control of impact speed and frequency, reducing patient discomfort and operational inefficiencies by compensating for valve aging effects and enabling rapid adjustment of impact physics, independent of pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic overpressure is coupled-in by application of a pressure to a volume on one side of the projectile movable along a movement path
Implementation Method 2
the return movement takes place with the aid of a counter-pressure chamber, i.e., a storage volume, into which the projectile moved towards the applicator to a certain extent displaces the air located in front of it
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment with pressure waves, comprising: a projectile (8) guided along a movement path, an applicator (7) at one end of the movement path, pneumatic means for application of pressure to the projectile (8) for the purpose of movement, wherein the projectile (8) is adapted for striking onto the applicator (7) for generating the pressure waves, which pneumatic means comprises a double valve means (1, 2) for application of pressure to the projectile (8) towards the applicator (6) during a first activation time and in the reverse direction during a second activation time, and a control means (54), wherein the apparatus is adapted to maintain a separation time between the activation times and to control an impact speed by means of the separation time.