Removable Multi-Channel Applicator Nozzle for Ultrasound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound wound therapy devices face challenges in delivering a consistent and reliable flow of liquid particles to wounds, particularly in minimizing setup time and accommodating different wound types and locations on the body, while also ensuring non-contact delivery of ultrasound energy for effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A removable multi-channel applicator is designed to engage with an ultrasound therapy device, featuring a nozzle body with multiple channels and a liner that allows for fluid introduction, enabling the delivery of ultrasound energy and liquid spray to patient tissue without direct contact, using a pressurized fluid system for efficient and flexible treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-channel applicator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the delivery consistency and reliability of liquid particles to the wound site is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple independent channels (at least two separate channels) within a single applicator body, allowing parallel delivery of liquid particles to different areas of the wound site. This segmentation improves delivery consistency and coverage without requiring multiple separate applicators, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable applicator is used, then the adaptability to different wound types and locations is improved, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed as a removable component that can be quickly attached to and detached from the ultrasound transducer. The modular design allows the same applicator to be used with different transducer configurations for various wound types and locations, providing adaptability while maintaining rapid setup through simple attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable applicator is designed with universal compatibility to work with different ultrasound transducer types and configurations. The standardized interface and adaptable nozzle design allow a single applicator to serve multiple wound treatment scenarios, reducing setup time by eliminating the need to reconfigure the entire system for different applications.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact delivery is used, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the delivery efficiency of ultrasound energy may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid particle stream is introduced as an intermediary medium between the ultrasound transducer and the wound site. The liquid particles serve as a coupling medium that facilitates efficient ultrasound energy transmission while enabling non-contact delivery. The particles carry the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to the wound surface, maintaining energy delivery efficiency while providing the comfort and ease of operation associated with non-contact treatment.
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
The multi-channel applicator provides a consistent and efficient delivery of ultrasound energy and liquid spray to wounds, reducing setup time and enhancing treatment flexibility, allowing for non-contact therapy that promotes wound healing and prevents infection by ensuring effective penetration of ultrasound energy and fluid to the wound site.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer is placed in contact with the object or tissue via a coupling medium and high frequency (1-10 MHz) ultrasonic waves are directed into the tissue
Implementation Method 2
Upon contact with various underlying structures, the waves are reflected back to a receiver adjacent the transducer
Implementation Method 3
Liquid particles are ejected from the surface of the liquid into the surrounding air following the disintegration of capillary waves produced by the ultrasound
Implementation Method 4
ultrasonic nebulizers operate by the passage of ultrasound waves of sufficient intensity through a liquid, the waves being directed at an air-liquid interface
Implementation Method 5
delivering ultrasound energy from a non-contact distance... the ultrasound energy acts at the tissue surface and/or penetrates the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, an applicator includes a nozzle body having an interior and an exterior surface; a nozzle liner having an interior and an exterior surface and being engageable with the nozzle body such that a plurality of channels are defined at least in part by the exterior surface of the nozzle liner and the interior surface of the nozzle body, each of the plurality of channels having an inlet and an outlet; a passageway defined by a space between the nozzle body and the nozzle liner, in fluid communication with the inlets of each of the plurality of channels; and an opening sized and shaped for introducing fluid to the passageway to provide fluid flow from the outlet of each of the plurality of channels essentially simultaneously. Kits and methods are also disclosed.