Shock Wave Adapter Fluid Membrane Diverging Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave generation equipment is not readily adaptable to generate unfocused or lower energy shock waves for treating soft tissue, as it is designed for focused energy delivery, leading to potential damage and discomfort due to high energy convergence.
Innovation Solution
A shock wave adapter with a flexible or rigid membrane filled with fluid, which converts converging shock waves into diverging waves by positioning the focal point inside the adapter, reducing energy intensity and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If focused shock waves are used to treat soft tissue, then high energy convergence is achieved for effective treatment, but localized hemorrhaging and cellular disruption occur causing damage and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-filled adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the shock wave generator and the soft tissue. The adapter receives focused shock waves from the generator, allows them to converge to a focal point within the adapter, and then transmits diverging waves to the tissue. This intermediary structure prevents direct high-energy focused wave impact on the tissue while maintaining effective energy transmission for treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of delivering focused shock waves directly to the tissue, the system inverts the wave pattern by the time it reaches the tissue. The adapter converts the converging focused waves into diverging waves, so the tissue receives unfocused, lower-intensity waves while the focal point occurs within the adapter itself, not at the tissue location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional focused shock wave generators are used for soft tissue treatment, then high energy delivery is maintained, but the equipment is not readily adaptable to generate unfocused or lower energy waves
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a spacer to position the focal point, as a wave converter to transform focused waves into diverging waves, and as a protective interface between the generator and tissue. This single adaptable component can be used with conventional focused generators to achieve both focused and unfocused treatment modes, making the system versatile without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Measurement precision
If the focal point is positioned within the treated tissue, then high energy concentration is achieved, but localized hemorrhaging and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary space that hosts the focal point, separating the high-energy convergence event from the treated tissue. The focal point is precisely positioned within the adapter's fluid volume, maintaining measurement precision for focal placement, while the adapter's physical presence prevents the concentrated energy from directly impacting the tissue, thereby avoiding hemorrhaging and pain.
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 the use of conventional focused shock wave generators to produce diverging wave patterns of lower energy, reducing the risk of localized hemorrhaging and pain, making it suitable for treating soft tissue without the detrimental effects of high-energy focused waves.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane or housing is devoid of any air or gases and when filled forms a spacer volume for passing acoustic shock waves at low impedance
Implementation Method 2
forms a spacer volume for passing acoustic shock waves at low impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A shock wave adapter for use with a focused shock wave applicator has a flexible, rigid or semi-rigid membrane or housing adapted to be filled with a fluid. The membrane or housing is devoid of any air or gases and when filled forms a spacer volume for passing acoustic shock waves at low impedance. The wave pattern of the shock wave applicator enters the membrane or housing as a converging wave form to a focus inside the membrane or housing and exits through the membrane or housing in a diverging wave form into the patient to be treated. The spacer adapter may further include a gas filled shield around the perimeter of the fluid filled membrane or housing to block transmissions of acoustic shock waves.