Sloping Applicator Surface for Controlled Mechanical Impact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for applying impacts and pressure waves to the body surface are limited in their ability to provide controlled and comfortable treatment, especially when moved over the body surface, due to their flat front surfaces which require vertical positioning and lack of edge-free, sloping designs.

Innovation Solution

The device features a sloping front surface portion making up at least 30% of the applicator's surface area, angled between 30° and 60° relative to the impact direction, with edge-free and curved designs to enhance grip and control during movement, allowing for more effective massage and impact distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flat front surface is used on the applicator, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because vertical positioning is required and control during movement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator front surface is designed with a curved, domed shape instead of a flat surface. This curvature allows the applicator to be positioned at various angles against the body surface while maintaining stable contact, eliminating the requirement for precise vertical positioning and enabling easier manual control during treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional curved surface. This dimensional change adds angular flexibility, allowing the applicator to conform to different body contours and be operated more easily without compromising structural complexity.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an edge-free design with large radii of curvature is used, then the risk of irritation and injury to the patient is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject-affected harmful factorsVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates continuously curved surfaces with large radii of curvature (R ≥ 2 mm) that eliminate sharp edges and corners. This design prevents skin irritation and injury while the curvature can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes such as molding or machining, balancing patient safety with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If a sloping front surface portion making up at least 30% of the front surface is used, then the ease of operation and control during movement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sloping front surface is integrated into a domed, curved applicator geometry where the slope is a natural consequence of the curvature rather than an added feature. This approach improves operational control and comfort during manual movement while avoiding the need for complex multi-component structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If the applicator is designed for larger movements of the center of gravity, then the productivity is improved by allowing larger strokes, but the stability of the applicator position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidstability of the applicator position
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The curved, domed front surface of the applicator provides a stable contact geometry that maintains positional stability even during larger amplitude movements. The curvature distributes contact forces evenly, preventing unpredictable shifts in applicator position while allowing therapists to perform larger treatment strokes efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design enables better controllable and comfortable application of shocks and pressure waves over the body surface, allowing for larger strokes and improved therapeutic effects by distributing force over a larger area, reducing the risk of irritation from edges.

Implementation Method 1

Device for treatment of the human or animal body with mechanical impacts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

distributing force over a larger area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3000419B1Device for treatment of the human or animal body with mechanical impacts
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 STORZ MEDICAL
  • EP3000419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3000419B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3000419B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for treating the human or animal body with mechanical shocks, wherein an applicator for placement on the body surface of a patient has a substantial inclined front surface portion at an angle between 30° and 60° to the direction of impact.