Shock Wave Condensing Device Using Reflector Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock wave therapy devices struggle to precisely focus and direct shock waves for treating musculoskeletal pain conditions, leading to inefficiencies and potential tissue damage due to the lack of devices capable of generating focused shock waves using the simple ballistic principle, which results in uneven energy distribution and difficulty in targeting specific treatment areas.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an applicator and a reflector with a specifically designed reflection surface that allows for the deflection and focusing of shock waves, where the focus point is not in the shock direction, enabling precise adjustment of intensity and minimizing unfocused shock wave penetration, using a combination of an applicator and a reflector connected via a projectile barrel, with the reflector being shaped to ensure all shock wave components converge at the focal point, and materials like ceramic and magnesium alloys for optimal energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If radial shock wave generation is used, then the device structure is simple and cost-effective, but the energy flux density spreads radially and cannot be precisely targeted to deeper tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the shock wave generation into two functional parts: a simple radial generator for easy manufacturing and a separate reflector system for precision focusing. The reflector is positioned to receive radial shock waves and redirect them to a specific focal point, combining simplicity with precision through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element between the radial shock wave source and the target tissue. It receives the radially spreading shock waves and mediates their transformation into a focused beam by reflecting and redirecting the energy along a specific path to the desired focal point.
2Manufacturing precision
If focused shock wave therapy is applied, then treatment precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric focusing systems with a simpler mechanical/optical approach using a reflector. The reflector uses geometric reflection principles to focus shock waves, substituting complex electrical/mechanical systems with a more straightforward geometric solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to generate focused shock waves directly at the source (which requires complex focusing mechanisms), the invention inverts the approach by using a reflector to take radially generated shock waves and redirect them to the focal point. This inversion simplifies the source while achieving the same focusing effect.
3Ease of operation
If shock waves are directed directly at the treatment area, then the treatment is straightforward, but unfocused shock waves cause unnecessary pain and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful unfocused shock waves into a beneficial focused treatment by using the reflector to redirect shock wave energy. The reflector takes the radially spreading shock waves (which would otherwise cause widespread tissue effects) and transforms them into a focused beam that delivers energy precisely to the target area, converting potential harm into benefit.
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 solution allows for more precise targeting of shock waves, reducing unnecessary pain and tissue damage, and enables objective pain monitoring through neurophysiological measures, ensuring effective pain relief and documentation of treatment success by focusing energy directly to the target area with minimal surrounding tissue impact.
Implementation Method 1
Shock waves are high-energy waves that can penetrate water and soft tissue
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflector, wherein at least one reflector has at least one reflective surface, and a focal point onto which shock waves can be focused by the reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 3
a projectile is accelerated using compressed air. After a short acceleration distance, the project is abruptly stopped on an impact surface. This impact surface is located on an applicator, which transmits the resulting shock wave to the patient's skin
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device (1) for deflecting and focusing shock waves, a use of a device (1) for deflecting and focusing shock waves, and a method for focusing and deflecting a shock wave are proposed, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one applicator (2), wherein at least one applicator (2) has at least one application surface (8) and a shock wave can be emitted from at least one application surface (8) in a shock direction, and at least one reflector (3), wherein at least one reflector (3) has at least one reflective surface (9), and a focal point (11) onto which shock waves can be focused by the reflective surfaces (9), wherein the focal point (11) is not located in a shock direction, thereby preventing, in particular, the primary shock wave from impacting the tissue to be treated.