X-Ray-Guided Shockwave Source Self-Alignment Without Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripsy systems require complex mechanical coupling between X-ray and shockwave sources for alignment, which is cumbersome and limits flexibility, and struggle to treat organs or areas within organs independent of patient movement, such as respiration, while also being prone to air bubbles at the treatment surface.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound and/or shockwave device is aligned with an X-ray system automatically without mechanical coupling, using a hexapod drive for precise adjustment in six degrees of freedom, allowing treatment independent of patient movement and removing air bubbles through controlled movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical coupling is used between X-ray system and shockwave source for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with an optical alignment system. The X-ray system serves as the reference, and the shockwave source is aligned optically using the X-ray beam path and detector to define the reference axis. The shockwave source position is adjusted based on optical measurements rather than mechanical linkage, eliminating complex mechanical coupling while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (the X-ray beam and detector system) to mediate the alignment between the X-ray source and shockwave source. Instead of direct mechanical coupling, the alignment is achieved through optical projection and detection, where the X-ray system defines a reference axis that guides the positioning of the shockwave source.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical coupling is used for alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through automated optical detection. The detector automatically detects the position of alignment markers or the shockwave source relative to the X-ray reference axis, and the system autonomously adjusts positions without requiring complex mechanical coupling or manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the alignment status by detecting the position of markers or sources relative to the reference axis. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the shockwave source position, ensuring alignment stability without complex mechanical coupling and simplifying operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed alignment system is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the shockwave source can be independently positioned and adjusted in space without fixed mechanical coupling to the X-ray system. This allows the system to adapt to different treatment scenarios, patient positions, and target locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture, thus achieving both manufacturing simplicity and high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray system serves multiple functions: it provides both the imaging reference for alignment and defines the reference axis for shockwave delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while enhancing adaptability across different treatment configurations.
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
The system achieves precise alignment and treatment efficiency by compensating for patient movement, ensuring high energy coupling and effective treatment, while maintaining simplicity and robustness, and effectively eliminating air bubbles at the treatment surface.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the position of an ultrasound and/or shockwave source relative to a patient's body and/or the X-ray system by means of a hexapod drive
Implementation Method 2
taking a first image with the X-ray system at a first position of the X-ray system relative to the ultrasound and/or shockwave source, the image showing a first X-ray absorbing object and a second X-ray absorbing object
Implementation Method 3
compensating for patient movement, ensuring high energy coupling and effective treatment
Implementation Method 4
effectively eliminating air bubbles at the treatment surface
Data Source
AI summary
A shock wave and/or ultrasound therapy system includes an ultra-sound and/or shockwave source suspended on a hexapod drive and an X-ray system. A system controller configured to generate control signals for the hexapod drive to align the ultrasound and/or shockwave source with the X-ray system based on the displacement of a known object between two images taken at different tilt angles of the X-ray system.