Ultrasound Control Unit with Secure Parameter Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating ultrasonic waves for medical and cosmetic treatments are costly and require specialist personnel due to complex operation, making frequent outpatient treatments impractical and risky due to incorrect parameter usage.

Innovation Solution

A system with a control unit and ultrasonic head, featuring a programming unit and base station that allows treatment parameters to be set by specialists, enabling secure programming and restricting unauthorized changes, allowing patients to use the device safely and independently at home.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing ultrasonic systems are used with complex operation requirements, then treatment parameters can be precisely controlled, but specialist personnel and high costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment parameter controlVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The application device is designed to be self-programming through automatic parameter selection based on treatment area and duration. The device autonomously configures ultrasonic parameters without requiring specialist intervention, allowing patients to perform treatments independently at home while maintaining reliable parameter control through built-in safety mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts ultrasonic parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) based on pre-defined treatment protocols. The device changes parameters dynamically according to the selected treatment area and duration, eliminating the need for manual parameter configuration by specialists while ensuring consistent and reliable treatment delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frequent outpatient treatments are performed, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but patient restriction and time loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables patients to perform ultrasonic treatments independently at home without requiring frequent visits to specialist facilities. Patients can conduct multiple treatments daily using the self-programming application device, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining treatment effectiveness through automated parameter control and safety mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Treatment parameters are pre-programmed into the device before use. The application device comes with pre-configured settings for different treatment areas and durations, allowing patients to immediately begin effective treatments without requiring prior specialist programming or frequent clinic visits for parameter adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If patients use ultrasonic devices independently, then treatment frequency increases, but risk of incorrect parameter usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment frequencyVSAvoidincorrect parameter usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The application device incorporates safety feedback mechanisms that automatically monitor and control ultrasonic parameter delivery. The device provides real-time feedback on treatment progress and automatically adjusts or terminates treatment if parameters approach unsafe levels, preventing incorrect parameter usage while enabling frequent independent treatments by patients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes pre-built safety mechanisms and automatic parameter control systems that prevent incorrect usage before it can cause harm. Safety features such as maximum intensity limits, automatic shutdown after predetermined durations, and guided parameter selection based on treatment area provide beforehand protection against erroneous parameter input while allowing patients to perform treatments frequently and independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 patients to perform multiple treatments daily without specialist supervision, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and minimizing the risk of incorrect parameter usage, while ensuring safe and effective ultrasonic wave application.

Implementation Method 1

The ultrasonic head has an area for contact with the biological tissue, with the periodic electrical signals generated by the control unit being converted into ultrasound waves in the ultrasound head in the vicinity of this contact area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2581112B1System for generating ultrasound waves and method for configuring an ultrasound system
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 WELLCOMET GMBH
  • EP2581112B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2581112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2581112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system has an application apparatus (1) comprising a control unit (2), an ultrasound head (3) and a battery (4) for operating the control unit and head. The control unit acts together with the head such that treatment parameter for operating the head is predetermined by the control unit. A programming unit comprises an access limiting unit. A base station forms a data connection with the application apparatus such that the control unit is programmed with the treatment-parameter by the programming unit, where the application apparatus and the base station are designed as separate units. An independent claim is also included for a method for configuration of an ultrasonic system.