Rapid-Pulse Electrohydraulic Shockwave Generator With Two-Stage Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic shockwave systems suffer from limited electrode lifetime due to severe erosion, particularly at high pulse rates, leading to impractical treatment durations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage pulse discharge approach is employed, where voltage pulses are applied to electrodes to vaporize liquid and charge capacitors, followed by capacitor discharge to create a short inter-electrode arc, minimizing electrode erosion and extending their lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pulse rate electrohydraulic shockwave generation is used, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but electrode erosion increases leading to reduced electrode lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode discharge process is segmented into two distinct stages: a pre-discharge stage that conditions the liquid and a main discharge stage that generates the shockwave. This segmentation allows the electrode to engage with the liquid in a controlled manner that reduces direct erosion while maintaining high pulse rate capability
Solution Approach 2:
A pre-discharge voltage pulse is applied to the electrode before the main shockwave-generating discharge. This preliminary action vaporizes a portion of the liquid and establishes a conductive path, which then enables the main discharge to proceed with reduced electrode erosion while maintaining high pulse rates
2Productivity
If high pulse rate electrohydraulic shockwave generation is used, then treatment efficiency is improved, but treatment duration increases due to electrode replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-discharge pulse prepares the liquid and electrode interface before the main discharge, creating conditions that reduce electrode erosion. This allows the electrode to maintain effectiveness for longer periods at high pulse rates, reducing the frequency of replacements and extending treatment duration
Solution Approach 2:
The two-stage discharge process enables continuous operation at high pulse rates by reducing the erosive impact on electrodes. The pre-discharge stage ensures that each main discharge occurs under optimized conditions, maintaining treatment effectiveness over extended periods without requiring frequent electrode replacements
3Power
If conventional electrohydraulic discharge is used, then shockwave generation is achieved, but electrode erosion is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge process is divided into pre-discharge and main discharge stages. The pre-discharge stage conditions the liquid and electrode interface, while the main discharge stage generates the shockwave. This segmentation reduces the direct erosive interaction between the electrode and liquid during the high-power discharge
Solution Approach 2:
A preliminary voltage pulse is applied to vaporize a portion of the liquid and establish a conductive path before the main discharge. This preliminary action reduces the erosive impact during the main high-power discharge, preserving electrode material while maintaining shockwave energy output
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 method enables the generation of rapid acoustic pulses with improved electrode lifetime, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective therapeutic applications by reducing treatment time and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
apply voltage pulses to the plurality of electrodes in the electrode chamber such that portions of the liquid contained therein are vaporized to provide an inter-electrode conductive path
Implementation Method 2
the charged plurality of capacitors discharge to the electrodes to generate a short inter-electrode arc, through the established inter-electrode conductive path
Implementation Method 3
the rapid, nearly instantaneous, expansion of the vaporized water creates a shock wave that propagates outward through the liquid water
Implementation Method 4
a small amount of water is vaporized at the tip of the electrode and the rapid, nearly instantaneous, expansion of the vaporized water creates a shock wave
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, capacitor arrays, and methods for generating therapeutic compressed acoustic waves (e.g., shock waves). In the apparatuses and at least some of the methods, a plurality of electrodes can disposed in a chamber that is defined by a housing and configured to be filled with liquid, and a plurality of capacitors can be electrically connected to the electrodes and can be carried by (e.g., physically coupled to) the housing. Voltage pulses can be applied simultaneously to the plurality of electrodes (e.g., to begin to vaporize and ionize portions of the liquid to provide at least one inter-electrode conductive path between the plurality of electrodes) and to the capacitors to charge the plurality of capacitors). The plurality of capacitors can be configured to, upon reaching a threshold charge, discharge to the plurality of electrodes (e.g., to generate one or more arcs along the one or more inter-electrode conductive paths to vaporize additional portions of the liquid and generate one or more acoustic shock waves). In the capacitor arrays, a plurality of capacitors can be coupled to the one or more circuit boards with a first portion of the capacitors arranged in a first pattern defined by a plurality of capacitor sets, a second portion of the plurality of capacitors can be arranged in a second pattern defined by a plurality of capacitor sets, with the sets defining the first pattern connected in parallel, the sets defining the second pattern connected in parallel, and the circuit board(s) can be configured to be coupled to an electrode such that the electrode is in electrical communication with the capacitors and is fixed in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the one or more circuit boards.