Shock Wave Apparatus With Plane And Convergent Wave Fronts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave therapy devices face limitations in treating deeper tissues due to radial systems' insufficient energy density and focused systems' restricted treatment areas, necessitating extensive scanning and longer treatment times.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus generating pressure pulses/shock waves with plane, nearly plane, convergent off-target, or divergent wave front characteristics, using electro-hydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric means, without focusing into a focal point, allowing for adjustable energy densities and broader treatment areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If radial pressure pulse systems are used, then treatment area is increased, but energy density becomes insufficient for deeper tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different wave front characteristics (plane, convergent, divergent) in different spatial regions. Plane wave fronts maintain constant energy density across the treatment area, while convergent wave fronts concentrate energy at specific depths. This allows the system to provide both large treatment area and sufficient energy density for deep tissues simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of wave front characteristics from traditional radial divergent waves to plane, convergent, or divergent waves. By adjusting the wave front geometry, the system can control energy distribution patterns, maintaining high energy density at depth while expanding treatment area, thus resolving the contradiction between area and energy density.
2Use of energy by moving object
If focused shock wave systems are used, then energy density for deep tissue treatment is improved, but treatment area becomes too small requiring extensive scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wave front into different characteristic regions (plane, convergent, divergent portions) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows simultaneous treatment of multiple tissue depths and areas without requiring extensive scanning, as each wave front type targets different spatial zones with appropriate energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by generating multiple wave front characteristics from a single apparatus. The device can produce plane waves for superficial large-area treatment, convergent waves for deep focal treatment, and divergent waves for intermediate depths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices or extensive scanning procedures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If focused shock wave systems are used, then deep tissue energy delivery is improved, but treatment time increases due to scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining constant energy delivery across the treatment area through plane wave fronts, eliminating the need to move the device between treatment zones. The convergent wave fronts continuously deliver energy to deep tissues across the entire treatment area simultaneously, reducing treatment time while maintaining effective energy delivery.
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 effective treatment of larger areas with consistent energy distribution, reducing treatment time and side effects, and improving clinical outcomes by optimizing energy delivery to tissues.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for generating pressure pulses/shock waves comprising: a pressure pulse/shock wave (PP/SW) source, a housing enclosing said PP/SW source, and an exit window from which wave fronts of waves generated by said PP/SW source emanate
Implementation Method 2
electrical discharge in a liquid (electro hydraulic)
Implementation Method 3
electrical discharge in an electrical coil that drives a diaphragm (electro magnetic)
Implementation Method 4
electrical discharge in piezo elements (piezo electric)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating pressure pulse/shock waves (PP/SWs) is disclosed which comprises a pressure pulse/shock wave (PP/SW) source, a housing enclosing said PP/SW source, and an exit window from which wave fronts of waves generated by said PP/SW source emanate. The wave fronts have plane, nearly plane, convergent off target or divergent characteristics. In one embodiment, an extracorporeal shock wave system provides a planar wave for the treatment of tissue. A parabolic reflector is provided in order to propagate the planar wave through a membrane and to the tissue of a human subject. A piezoelectric, electrohydraulic or electromagnetic source may be used to develop the wave.