Ultrasonic Waveguide Shock Pulsing Masses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art ultrasonic transducers suffer from energy loss and suboptimal performance due to inefficient energy transfer along the waveguide, affecting their ability to meet the performance standards required during surgical procedures, leading to economic impacts on sales.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic waveguide is redesigned with a stop positioned at anti-node positions, combined with shock-pulsing masses and springs to maximize axial displacement, and the shape and position of these components are optimized to enhance energy transfer and minimize energy loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the stop position on the ultrasonic waveguide is not optimized, then the structure is simple, but energy is lost as it travels down the waveguide affecting performance efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss in waveguideVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the stop position on the ultrasonic waveguide to specific locations (such as nodal points or antinodal points) to maximize energy transfer efficiency. This involves changing the positional parameter of the stop to resonate with the ultrasonic frequency, thereby minimizing energy loss without requiring complex structural modifications to the waveguide itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing shock-pulsing masses at specific localized positions on the waveguide where they can most effectively influence energy transfer. Rather than modifying the entire waveguide structure, the solution focuses on strategic local additions (shock-pulsing masses at specific nodes or antinodes) to improve overall energy efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If shock-pulsing masses are added to maximize axial displacement, then performance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial displacement performanceVSAvoidtransducer component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by incorporating shock-pulsing masses that resonate at ultrasonic frequencies to amplify axial displacement. These masses are positioned at specific locations on the waveguide where they can most effectively convert vibrational energy into axial motion, thereby enhancing productivity through controlled mechanical resonance rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action through the use of shock-pulsing masses that are activated at regular ultrasonic cycles to produce repeated axial displacement pulses. This periodic activation creates cumulative effect that enhances overall productivity without requiring continuous complex mechanical intervention, as the system leverages the periodic nature of ultrasonic vibration itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If the impact surface is positioned within at least one λ/6 of an anti-node position, then energy transfer is maximized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidimpact surface positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining a specific positional parameter range for the impact surface (within at least one λ/6 of an anti-node position) that optimizes energy transfer. This parameter specification provides a target zone for manufacturing that balances performance optimization with achievable precision tolerances, rather than requiring exact positioning at a single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by focusing precision requirements on the specific local region where the impact surface contacts the shock-pulsing mass, rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire device. By concentrating the critical positioning requirement on this localized interface within the λ/6 zone, the overall manufacturing complexity is reduced while still achieving optimal energy transfer at the critical contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration significantly improves the performance of ultrasonic transducers by maximizing axial displacement and energy transfer, ensuring they meet the performance standards needed for surgical applications.

Implementation Method 1

Ultrasonic transducers operate in the range of 18 kilohertz and above

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

A spring and a shock-pulsing mass are both also positioned on the ultrasonic waveguide, but they are interposed between the stop and the impact surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical oscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 3

the impact surface is positioned within at least one λ/6 of an anti-node position that occurs along the central axis of the ultra-sonic waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

establishes a plurality of node and anti-node positions along a central axis of an ultrasonic waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStanding wave:

Implementation Method 5

A stop is positioned on the ultrasonic waveguide and is adapted to non-fixedly engage the spring or shock-pulsing mass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3008723B1Ultrasonic transducer with shock pulsing masses
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 GYRUS ACMI INC
  • EP3008723B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3008723B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6B
  • EP3008723B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

What is presented is an ultrasonic waveguide for the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations that establishes a plurality of node and anti-node positions that are each along the ultrasonic waveguide's central axis. The ultrasonic waveguide comprises a waveguide tube, which has both a proximal end and a distal end; a waveguide fitting, which has both a threaded end and an impact surface; and a spring, shock-pulsing mass, and stop. Both the spring and shock-pulsing mass are each positioned on the waveguide tube. Whereas, the stop is positioned on the waveguide tube and it is adapted to non-fixedly engage the spring and shock-pulsing mass. The impact surface of the waveguide fitting is located at an anti-node position, which is along the central axis of the ultra-sonic waveguide when it is installed within ultrasonic transducer while in operation.