Portable Solenoid Impulse Device with Articulating Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impulse treatment devices are either handheld and lack precise positioning capabilities or are fixed and cumbersome, failing to provide repeatable and adjustable treatments regardless of the patient's position on the treatment table.
Innovation Solution
A portable impulse treatment device with a treatment head that can be handheld and retained on a stand with an articulating holding arm, allowing positioning in all planes and orientations, featuring graduated locking mechanisms and a smart impulse treatment head with a compensatory mechanism, along with a computing unit for repeatable alignment and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is made handheld for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a handheld treatment head and a separate positioning system (articulating arm mounted on a stand). This allows the treatment head to remain portable and easy to handle while the positioning precision is provided by the articulated arm structure with ball joints and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
An articulating arm serves as an intermediary between the handheld treatment head and the patient. The articulating arm with its ball joints and locking mechanisms provides precise positioning while allowing the treatment head to be operated handheld.
2Measurement precision
If the device is made fixed and mounted on a stand for positioning stability, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a stationary stand with articulating arm and a separate handheld treatment head. The stand provides stable positioning while the treatment head can be easily handled and positioned by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating arm incorporates dynamic elements including ball joints that allow movement in multiple planes and locking mechanisms that enable stable positioning. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between easy positioning and stable treatment phases.
3Ease of operation
If the treatment head is handheld for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but treatment repeatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the treatment head and provide feedback to a microprocessor. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust and maintain consistent treatment parameters, ensuring repeatability even when the treatment head is handheld.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual positioning and alignment operations are replaced with an automated positioning system using sensors and a microprocessor. The system automatically tracks the treatment head position and adjusts the articulating arm to maintain consistent treatment alignment, eliminating variability introduced by manual handling.
4Measurement precision
If the articulating arm is made complex with multiple ball joints for positioning in all planes, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm is divided into multiple segments connected by ball joints, each segment providing movement in specific planes. This segmentation allows complex positioning capability while keeping each individual joint and segment relatively simple in design.
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 precise and repeatable alignment and treatment of patients in various positions, ensuring safety and consistency through the articulating holding arm's ability to be locked and repositioned without damage, while the smart impulse treatment head adjusts force and orientation for effective therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, such as a solenoid actuator, for driving the stylus in a linear direction toward the patient's body surface
Implementation Method 2
a resilient spring arranged to bias the thrust element towards the body contact member
Data Source
AI summary
An impulse treatment device is provided, the impulse treatment device comprising an articulating holding arm, an impulse treatment head and a stylus wherein the articulating holding arm includes: a proximal joint for rotational attachment to the cart and which includes a ball joint which includes a ball, a socket, a spring to bias the ball to a locked position, and a linear solenoid to release the ball; a long proximal section, which defines a bore and is attached to the proximal joint; a short distal section which defines a bore and includes a distal end; and a pair of ball joints between the short distal section and the long proximal section, wherein the ball joints each include a ball, a spring to bias the ball to a locked position, and a socket and a linear solenoid.