Ultrasonic Therapy Patch With Detachable Hydrogel Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic therapy devices face issues with reduced therapeutic effect due to ultrasonic waves being reflected or dissipated when not in direct contact with the body, and the use of ultrasonic input gel leads to uneven penetration and post-use cleaning inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A physical therapy device with a detachable hydrogel attached to a high-gloss polished silicone cover, allowing ultrasonic waves to penetrate the body contact area without an ultrasonic input gel, and featuring oscillators arranged in specific patterns for uniform wave transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic input gel is used to allow ultrasonic waves to penetrate the body contact area, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the gel flows off and causes uneven penetration, reducing therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrogel layer as an intermediary between the oscillators and the body contact area. This hydrogel is detachably attached to the rear surface of the silicone cover, serving as a stable mediator that transmits ultrasonic waves effectively while maintaining its position during use, thus resolving the issue of gel flowing off and causing uneven penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and attachment properties of the ultrasonic coupling medium by using a detachably attached hydrogel instead of free-flowing gel. This parameter change in attachment stability allows the medium to remain in position while still providing effective ultrasonic wave transmission.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic input gel is used for ultrasonic wave transmission, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but post-use cleaning is required, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detachable hydrogel that can be easily removed and replaced after use, functioning as a disposable or easily replaceable component. This eliminates the need for cleaning the ultrasonic therapy device itself, as the hydrogel is detached and discarded or replaced, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Reliability
If oscillators are arranged to provide vibration to the body contact area, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but ultrasonic waves are reflected or dissipated when not in direct contact, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel acts as an intermediary coupling medium that ensures direct contact between the oscillators and the body contact area. This eliminates air gaps that would cause reflection and dissipation of ultrasonic waves, thereby preventing energy loss and maintaining high therapeutic effectiveness.
4Strength
If a silicone cover is used to protect the oscillators, then the device structure is improved, but the adhesion to hydrogel may be insufficient, affecting ultrasonic wave transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface parameters of the silicone cover by high-gloss polishing the rear surface. This surface treatment changes the physical properties of the silicone surface, enhancing its adhesion to the hydrogel while maintaining the protective function of the silicone cover structure.
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
Enhances ultrasonic wave penetration and therapeutic effect by ensuring uniform transmission to the body contact area, minimizing movement restriction, and eliminating the need for post-use cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
allows ultrasonic waves generated by a plurality of oscillators to penetrate a body contact area through a detachable hydrogel
Implementation Method 2
a rear surface of silicone to which the hydrogel is detachably attached is high-gloss polished in order to increase the adhesion to the hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
A physical therapy device comprises: a flexible printed circuit board; a plurality of vibrators electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board; SUS caps that cover upper surfaces of each of the plurality of vibrators; silicone covers that cover the flexible printed circuit board, the plurality of vibrators, and the SUS caps; a hydrogel that is removed from the back surface of the silicone cover; and a control unit that is connected to the flexible printed circuit board to supply current to the plurality of vibrators, wherein the back surface of the silicone cover is polished to high brightness. The physical therapy device enables ultrasonic waves generated by the plurality of vibrators to penetrate into a body contact area by means of the removable hydrogel without using a gel for ultrasonic injection, and enables the ultrasonic waves to be uniformly transmitted to the body contact area by polishing the back surface of the silicone from which the hydrogel is removed to high brightness to increase adhesion with the hydrogel.