Shockwave Treatment Supplementary Element Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shockwave treatment devices for treating tissues like the Achilles tendon often cause discomfort and pain for patients and operators due to recoil and misalignment during treatment.

Innovation Solution

A supplementary element with a treatment support section that contacts the periphery region adjacent to the treatment zone, stabilizing the shockwave treatment device and reducing patient pain by distributing the shockwave more effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shockwave treatment device is used to treat the Achilles tendon, then the treatment can be performed, but recoil and misalignment occur causing discomfort and pain for patients and operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment stabilityVSAvoidrecoil and misalignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A supplementary element is introduced as an intermediary component between the shockwave treatment device and the patient's body. This element includes a support section that contacts the periphery region of the treatment zone, providing stabilization and preventing recoil and misalignment during treatment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The supplementary element extends into the periphery region adjacent to the treatment zone, adding a dimensional aspect that provides lateral support and stability. This peripheral contact dimension prevents the treatment device from shifting or misaligning during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the treatment device is stabilized, then misalignment is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supplementary element is designed as a separate, detachable component from the main shockwave treatment device. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the core device, and the supplementary element can be removed or exchanged as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 supplementary element improves the comfort of both patients and operators by stabilizing the treatment device, reducing pain, and preventing misalignment during shockwave treatments.

Implementation Method 1

the shockwave treatment device has a pneumatic drive element for accelerating the projectil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the shockwaves being generated by an impact of an accelerated projectil on an impact body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

the treatment support section being configured to allow for holding in position on the treatment zone the treatment device in operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution: Force

Data Source

PatentEP4555946A1Supplementary element for a shockwave treatment device, a shockwave treatment device and a kit including such a supplementary element
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 FERTON HOLDING SA
  • EP4555946A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4555946A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4555946A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A supplementary element (1) configured to be attached to a shockwave treatment device (5), producing shockwave for treating a treatment zone of a patient in operation, the supplementary element being configured to allow for the transferring shockwave produced by the treatment device (5) to the treatment zone when the supplementary element (1) is attached to the treatment device (5), the supplementary element (1) further comprising a treatment support section (20), being configured to contact a periphery region of the patient surrounding at least partially the treatment zone, the treatment support section (20) being configured to allow for holding in position on the treatment zone the treatment device (5) in operation.