Reversible Electrotherapy Needle Housing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrotherapy devices for musculoskeletal injuries lack user-friendly design features, such as reversible support for left-handed users, secure needle locking mechanisms, liquid protection, and adjustable treatment parameters, which can lead to usability issues and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The electrotherapy device incorporates a reversible support for the needle housing, a spring and hammer locking mechanism, liquid protection, and adjustable treatment parameters displayed on the needle housing, allowing for safe and efficient percutaneous electrolysis treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the needle housing is fixed in a non-reversible manner in the control unit, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate left-handed users and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two interchangeable support elements that can be positioned in different orientations. This segmentation allows the needle housing to be accommodated in both right-handed and left-handed configurations, enhancing adaptability without requiring a completely different support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold the needle housing in standard orientation for right-handed users and in reversed orientation for left-handed users. The interchangeable support elements provide universal compatibility across different user preferences and treatment scenarios.
2Force
If the needle is held loosely in the needle housing, then the needle elasticity is preserved, but insufficient pressure is applied during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded hammer that dynamically adjusts to apply precise force to the needle tip. The spring provides continuous pressure while the hammer delivers controlled impact forces, ensuring both adequate insertion pressure and maintained needle stability throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual positioning of the needle is replaced by an automated spring-and-hammer mechanical system that automatically applies the necessary force. This substitution ensures consistent and reliable force application without requiring manual adjustment by the operator.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle housing head is exposed, then access to the needle is easy, but it is vulnerable to liquid ingress and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap provides localized protection specifically for the needle housing head and needle tip areas that are most vulnerable to liquid ingress. The cap is designed to cover only the necessary protective zones while maintaining easy accessibility when removed, applying protection precisely where needed without compromising overall operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If treatment parameters are controlled only from the external control unit, then the control unit has full functionality, but the needle housing lacks independent adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control interfaces: the external control unit for comprehensive treatment management and the integrated control means in the needle housing for quick parameter adjustments. This segmentation allows each control element to specialize in specific functions, providing both independent adjustment capability and full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by allowing parameter adjustment from either the external control unit or the integrated control means in the needle housing. Both control interfaces can independently modify treatment parameters, providing universal access and flexibility for different operational scenarios and user preferences.
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 device enhances user safety and convenience by facilitating easy needle insertion and removal, preventing liquid ingress, and allowing parameter adjustments without accessing the control unit, thereby improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The head of the needle housing includes a mechanism for locking the needle using a spring and hammer
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism for locking the needle to facilitate its insertion and removal, so that, in use, the necessary pressure on the needle is maintained
Implementation Method 3
conventionally applies a galvanic current percutaneously to a soft tissue to be treated in a patient, causing a local inflammatory response necessary for tissue regeneration
Implementation Method 4
a unit for generating and controlling electric current
Implementation Method 5
electrotherapy device for treating musculoskeletal injuries based on percutaneous electrolysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrotherapy device of the type including, as a cathode, a single needle (21) arranged in a needle housing (2). The needle housing (2) comprises a head (4) and body (23). The device comprises, as an anode, a surface application electrode, for being hand-held or attached to the patient's skin. The device comprises a unit for generating and controlling electric current (1). The unit for generating and controlling electric current (1) has on its rear side a support (3) for the needle housing (2). The support (3) is comprised at its base of a connecting element (31) to the unit for generating and controlling electric current (1). The connecting element (31) is coupled to said unit for generating and controlling electric current (1) and includes at least two projecting fins (34) coupled in a separable manner to two support elements (35, 36). The support elements (35, 36) serve to support the needle housing (2) and are interchangeable with each other such that the support (3) is reversible.