Variable-Speed Compressor Motor for Medical Shockwave Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shockwave apparatuses with pneumatic drives have inefficiencies due to steadily operating compressor motors, leading to unnecessary noise, power consumption, and larger power requirements, as they produce higher pressures than needed and waste energy when lower pressures are desired, due to the reliance on pressure reducing valves.
Innovation Solution
The shockwave apparatus features an adjustable compressor motor rotation rate, implemented with a feedback control circuit, such as a PID feedback control, and a motor run-up current limiter, allowing for precise control of gas pressure and pulse energy, reducing noise and energy consumption by eliminating the need for pressure reducing valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure reducing valve is used to control output pressure, then the desired pressure can be achieved, but the compressor must operate at higher pressure than needed causing noise and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor motor rotation rate is made dynamically adjustable through feedback control based on the desired shockwave pressure. The system transitions from static fixed-speed operation to dynamic variable-speed operation, allowing the compressor to operate only at the necessary pressure level rather than always at maximum pressure followed by pressure reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control circuit is implemented that receives the desired pressure value and adjusts the compressor motor rotation rate accordingly. The control system continuously monitors the desired pressure and manipulates the motor speed to achieve the target pressure directly at the compressor output, eliminating the need for pressure reducing valves and the energy waste associated with them.
2Stress or pressure
If a pressure reducing valve is used to control output pressure, then the desired pressure can be achieved, but noise is generated due to pressure difference discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor motor speed to match the desired pressure requirements in real-time. By making the compressor operation dynamic rather than static, the system avoids the noise-generating pressure reduction process that occurs with pressure reducing valves, as the compressor directly produces the required pressure without excess pressure discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control circuit eliminates noise by preventing the formation of excessive pressure in the first place. By using feedback to adjust motor rotation rate according to desired pressure, the system avoids the pressure differential that would otherwise be discharged through pressure reducing valves, thereby eliminating the associated noise generation.
3Stress or pressure
If the compressor is designed for maximum pressure capability, then high pressure shockwaves can be produced, but the power class and size are larger than needed for lower pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system is designed with variable-speed capability, allowing a single compressor unit to adapt its output to match the required pressure level. This dynamic operation enables the use of a smaller, more compact compressor that can be operated at higher speeds when maximum pressure is needed, rather than requiring an oversized compressor designed for continuous maximum pressure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (motor rotation rate) of the compressor to match the required pressure output. By allowing parameter changes in motor speed, the same compressor can serve multiple pressure requirements without needing to be oversized for maximum pressure applications, thereby reducing the overall size and power class of the compressor unit.
4Stress or pressure
If the compressor motor rotation rate is adjustable, then precise pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control circuit is implemented that receives the desired pressure value and automatically adjusts the compressor motor rotation rate. This feedback mechanism provides precise pressure control by continuously comparing the desired pressure with actual operating conditions and making real-time adjustments, achieving accurate pressure control without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure control mechanisms (such as pressure reducing valves and manual adjustment systems) with an electronic feedback control system that manipulates motor rotation rate. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control achieves precise pressure control while actually simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating mechanical pressure reduction components.
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 more efficient operation by adjusting compressor motor speed to match desired pressures, reducing noise and energy waste, and allowing for more precise control of shockwave intensity, improving the overall efficiency and usability of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor compresses for example air as a pressure gas to be used for accelerating the projectile in a guiding tube
Implementation Method 2
A compressor compresses for example air as a pressure gas to be used for accelerating the projectile in a guiding tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a shockwave apparatus for treating a human or animal body, the pneumatic drive of which comprises a motor-driven compressor. According to the invention, the rotation rate of the motor is controlled in order to set a certain compressor pressure.