Ultrasonic Generator Resonance Stability with Suppressor Diode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithotripsy devices face interference issues due to mechanical and electrical disturbances caused by projectile impact, leading to reduced shattering power and efficiency, as the ultrasonic generator's resonance frequency is disrupted, and existing countermeasures either compromise installation space or fail to effectively control the operating frequency.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic generator with a measuring device that includes a resistor and suppressor diode to attenuate voltage peaks and maintain resonance frequency stability, allowing for continuous measurement and adjustment of electrical power and frequency, ensuring the ultrasonic vibration exciter operates optimally despite mechanical and electrical disturbances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a force generating device with projectile impact excitation is added to the lithotripsy apparatus, then stone fragmentation capability is improved, but the ultrasonic generator's resonance frequency is disrupted and measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestone fragmentation capabilityVSAvoidvoltage and current measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary circuit between the piezo element and the measuring device that includes a suppressor diode and a resistor. The suppressor diode detects high-voltage spikes generated by projectile impact and conducts them to ground, preventing these spikes from reaching the measuring device. The resistor limits current flow during suppression events. This intermediary protection circuit allows both impact excitation and accurate voltage measurement to coexist without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the ultrasonic generator operates at constant frequency to reduce interference, then measurement stability is improved, but power losses increase due to heating and detuning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidpower losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the actual resonance frequency of the ultrasonic generator using accurate voltage and current measurements. The control device compares the actual frequency with the desired operating frequency and dynamically adjusts the drive frequency to maintain resonance. This feedback mechanism allows the system to operate at optimal frequency despite projectile impact disturbances, maximizing power transfer efficiency and minimizing energy losses while maintaining measurement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Force

If the piezo element generates very high voltage during impact, then impact excitation effectiveness is improved, but the ultrasonic generator's resonant frequency is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact excitation effectivenessVSAvoidultrasonic generator resonant frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high-voltage spikes generated during projectile impact into a beneficial detection mechanism. The suppressor diode is specifically designed to detect these high-voltage events and redirect them away from the sensitive measuring circuitry. By utilizing the high-voltage spike as a trigger signal for the suppressor diode, the system protects itself from damage while maintaining the effectiveness of impact excitation for stone fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution enables the ultrasonic generator to maintain high shattering power and efficiency by filtering out disruptive voltage peaks, allowing the lithotripsy device to operate effectively with both ultrasonic and impact excitations without impairing the ultrasound generator's function, thus maximizing shattering performance.

Implementation Method 1

the measuring device comprises at least one suppressor diode for suppressing overvoltages in parallel with the at least one measuring unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode suppression: Diode

Implementation Method 2

the measuring device comprises at least one resistor arranged in parallel with the at least one measuring unit and optionally a capacitor arranged in parallel with the measuring unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

the measuring device comprises at least one resistor arranged in parallel with the at least one measuring unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

an ultrasonic vibration exciter for exciting a vibration of the at least one sonotrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 5

an ultrasonic vibration exciter for exciting a vibration of the at least one sonotrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 6

For effective and stable operation of the sonotrode in resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4389022A1Ultrasonic generator for supplying electric power, lithotripsy apparatus for crushing calculi and method for operating and/or controlling a lithotripsy apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP4389022A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389022A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389022A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an ultrasonic generator for supplying electrical power for shattering body stones, wherein the ultrasonic generator can be associated with a sonotrode, an ultrasonic vibration exciter for exciting a vibration of the at least one sonotrode, and optionally a force generation device for generating a force to move a projectile to excite the sonotrode, wherein the ultrasonic vibration exciter can be excited by supplying an alternating voltage with a vibration frequency via the ultrasonic generator, and the ultrasonic generator has a measuring device with at least one measuring unit for measuring a time course of a voltage and/or a current and a control and/or regulating device for adjusting an electrical power that can be supplied from the ultrasonic generator to the ultrasonic vibration exciter.wherein the measuring device comprises at least one resistor arranged in parallel to the at least one measuring unit and optionally a capacitor arranged in parallel to the measuring unit, wherein the measuring device comprises at least one suppressor diode for suppressing overvoltage in parallel to the at least one measuring unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lithotripsy device and a method for operating and controlling a lithotripsy device.