Rotatable Applicator for Shockwave Therapy Maneuverability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for applying pressure waves and macroscopic impacts to the body surface are limited in their ability to effectively treat large areas and require a vertical position, making them difficult to maneuver and unsuitable for massaging tissue areas under the skin.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable applicator part with a pivot bearing allows for angled and parallel movement over the body surface, enabling easy and gentle application of shocks and pressure waves, with a mechanism using an accelerated projectile for rapid impacts and focal pressure wave generation, and interchangeable applicator parts for varied treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional fixed applicator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is difficult to maneuver and cannot effectively treat large areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maneuveringVSAvoidapplicator structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed applicator into a rotatable one. The applicator is equipped with a rotation mechanism that allows it to rotate around its longitudinal axis during movement across the body surface. This dynamic capability enables the applicator to maintain optimal contact angle and orientation automatically, significantly improving ease of maneuvering and the ability to treat large areas without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the applicator is positioned vertically perpendicular to the body surface, then the pressure wave generation is effective, but the device is difficult to move across the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure wave generation effectivenessVSAvoidease of movement across surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism allows the applicator to dynamically adjust its orientation during movement. While maintaining effective pressure wave generation through controlled rotation, the applicator can be moved more easily across the body surface by adjusting its angle relative to the surface, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces rotational freedom around the longitudinal axis, adding a rotational dimension to the applicator's degrees of freedom. This allows the applicator to transition between different orientations (including vertical positions for effective pressure wave generation) while being moved across the surface, effectively resolving the positional constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If a fixed applicator front surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but it can only treat small areas and requires perpendicular positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment area coverageVSAvoidapplicator design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable applicator design allows a single applicator to cover larger treatment areas by rotating to different orientations and angles during movement. This dynamic capability enables one applicator to perform the function of multiple fixed applicators positioned at different angles, increasing treatment area coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and versatile treatment of body surfaces, allowing for large-area applications and concentrated effects, with improved ease of use and adaptability for different therapeutic needs.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure wave is triggered by the collision of a pneumatically accelerated striking element or projectile with a stationary impactor or applicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollision: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

This allows the applicator part to roll when pressed onto the body surface to be treated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3124004B1Device for treatment of the human or animal body with mechanical impacts
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 STORZ MEDICAL
  • EP3124004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3124004B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for generating shocks for treating the human or animal body with an applicator for coupling these shocks into the body, wherein a part of the applicator (15) is rotatably mounted and can thus roll off during treatment.