Shockwave Probe Chamber Sealing for On-Site Liquid Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shockwave generators have limited shelf life due to liquid evaporation and diffusion, require multiple probes for different applications, and lack flexibility in adjusting shockwave properties on-site.
Innovation Solution
A device with a maintenance opening sealed by a self-sealing port allows users to add or remove liquid and modify its composition, enabling on-site adjustment of shockwave characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chamber is sealed to maintain liquid composition, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into a primary seal (membrane) and a secondary controlled access mechanism (maintenance opening with valve). This allows the chamber to maintain its sealed state for reliability while providing a controlled pathway for liquid adjustment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining composition stability and enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance opening is pre-configured with a valve and sealing mechanism that allows liquid adjustment without compromising the overall seal integrity. This preliminary design enables on-site adaptability while preserving the reliability of the sealed chamber system.
2Reliability
If electrodes are exchanged frequently to maintain shockwave quality, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service maintenance by allowing users to adjust liquid composition and electrode positioning without requiring probe replacement. The maintenance opening and adjustable electrode mechanisms empower users to restore shockwave quality through simple adjustments rather than complex electrode exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding entire probes when electrodes erode, the invention allows recovery of the probe by adjusting liquid composition and electrode positioning through the maintenance opening. This extends probe lifespan and reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining shockwave generation quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes are stored to provide different shockwave characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a universal platform that can generate different shockwave characteristics through adjustable parameters (liquid composition, electrode positioning, voltage) rather than requiring multiple specialized probes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of probes needed while maintaining adaptability across different medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the maintenance opening, allowing real-time modification of liquid composition and electrode positioning. This dynamic adaptability enables a single probe to replace multiple static probes with different fixed characteristics, reducing overall 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
Extends the device's shelf life and flexibility in generating shockwaves by allowing users to adjust liquid levels and properties, reducing the need for multiple probes and improving shockwave generation quality.
Implementation Method 1
A high voltage is applied between the two electrodes, for example a multiple of 1 kV (including 1 kV). Upon an electrical discharge between the two electrodes a part of the liquid is vaporized by a plasma generated by the electrical discharge between the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a plasma generated by the electrical discharge between the electrodes
Implementation Method 3
a part of the liquid is vaporized by a plasma generated by the electrical discharge
Implementation Method 4
Some shockwave generators additionally include a reflector for focusing the shockwaves energy to a certain point or a geometrical form like a ring or a line
Implementation Method 5
an ellipsoidal reflector may focus the point like shockwave generated between the tips of the electrodes in the first focal point of into a second focal point
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating shockwaves. The device comprises a pressure pulse source comprising a chamber housing defining a chamber (22) and a shockwave opening (21). The chamber (22) is configured to be filled with a liquid. The device comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed in the chamber (22) and configured to be coupled to a pulse-generation system, the plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode defining a spark gap. The chamber (22) additionally includes a maintenance opening (16), wherein the maintenance opening (16) is sealed by a port (30) for manipulating the chamber (22) through the port (30).