Shock Wave Generator Using Colloidal Suspension for Spark Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave generators experience increased latency times in spark discharge, leading to unreliable shock wave generation due to electrode wear and large distances between electrodes, which affects the reliability and efficiency of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spark discharge section filled with a colloidal suspension of conducting, semiconducting, or polarizable substances, such as microscopic aluminum particles in water, ensures easier spark discharge even at larger electrode distances, and is designed to be inserted into or integrated within a therapy head to optimize shock wave focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance between electrodes is increased, then the device can operate for longer periods, but the latency time of spark discharge increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a colloidal suspension containing conducting, semiconducting, or polarizable particles as an intermediary medium between the electrodes. This suspension facilitates spark discharge by providing conductive pathways through the liquid medium, enabling reliable shock wave generation even when electrode distance is increased, thus resolving the contradiction between extended operating period and maintained reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the medium between electrodes by using a colloidal suspension instead of pure liquid. The suspension's unique properties (conductivity, particle size distribution, viscosity) are optimized to enable consistent spark discharge at larger electrode distances, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing extended operation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance between electrodes is increased, then electrode wear is reduced, but latency time increases and shock wave generation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The colloidal suspension acts as a mediator that enables spark discharge to occur reliably at larger electrode distances. The conducting particles in the suspension create conductive bridges across the gap, reducing the voltage required for breakdown and maintaining consistent latency times even when electrodes are farther apart, thus extending electrode service life without increasing time loss
3Reliability
If a colloidal suspension is used, then spark discharge reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the existing liquid medium by adding colloidal particles, transforming it into a functional suspension. This parameter change enhances reliability by improving conductive properties and spark discharge consistency, while the device structure itself remains fundamentally unchanged, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 use of colloidal suspensions reduces latency times, enhances the reliability of shock wave generation, and maintains efficient coupling of shock waves into the target area, improving treatment efficacy by ensuring consistent and focused energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a device with a spark discharge section filled with a colloidal suspension of conducting, semiconducting, or polarizable substances
Implementation Method 2
colloidal suspension of conducting, semiconducting, or polarizable substances
Implementation Method 3
The shock source is typically located in a focus or relatively near to a focus of the reflector
Implementation Method 4
The reflector, which is integrated in the therapy head, is at least partially filled with a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating shock waves for medical therapy comprising two electrodes of a spark discharge section, wherein the device is filled with a liquid medium, and wherein the liquid medium comprises a colloidal suspension of a conducting, semiconducting, or polarizable substance in water.