massage device

Abstract

A massage device, characterized in that it comprises: a main body which is a rigid structure and a controller arranged in the main body; a silicone layer encasing an outer layer of the main body; a pressure sensor disposed between the silicone layer and the main body and attached to a first end portion of the main body; wherein the first end portion of the main body is a massage end portion of the massage device; wherein the pressure sensor is connected to the controller; and a support element arranged between the silicone layer and the pressure sensor, the support element comprising a first end surface and a second end surface arranged relative to one another, an area of ​​the first end surface being larger than an area of ​​the second end surface, the first end surface abutting the silicone layer, the second end surface abutting the pressure sensor, and the support element serving to transmit pressure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of massage devices and in particular to a massage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Structurally, massage devices usually include a pressure sensor to detect the pressure value between the user and the human body during use of the massage device, thereby achieving more precise massage control. Pressure sensors are typically arranged at the contact end between the massage device and the human body. However, a pressure sensor can only detect pressure values ​​within a fixed range, resulting in a small force detection range. When different users operate the device, the contact position between the contact end of the massage device and the human body may deviate, resulting in different responses of the pressure sensor. This causes the massage device to have different control responses for different users, affecting the user's interactive experience. CONCRETE EMBODIMENTS

[0003] The present invention provides a massage device.

[0004] The present application provides a massage device comprising: a main body which is a rigid structure, with a controller arranged inside the main body; a silicone layer that wraps around the outer layer of the main body; a pressure sensor disposed between the silicone layer and the main body and attached to a first end portion of the main body; wherein the first end portion of the main body is the massage end portion of the massage device; the pressure sensor is connected to the controller; a support element; arranged between the silicone layer and the pressure sensor, the support element having a first end surface and a second end surface opposite each other, the area of ​​the first end surface being larger than the area of ​​the second end surface, the first end surface abutting the silicone layer and the second end surface abutting the pressure sensor, and the support element being used for pressure transmission.

[0005] A support element with two differently sized end faces is positioned between the silicone layer and the pressure sensor. The larger first end face abuts the silicone layer, while the smaller second end face abuts the pressure sensor. This design increases the physical sensing range of the pressure sensor, allowing the pressure sensor to sense pressure over a wider area due to the mechanical force transmission of the support element. This can eliminate control variations caused by minor user variations in current product designs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a partially schematic structural view of a first type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic connection view of a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a partially schematic structural view of a second type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a partially schematic structural view of a third type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a partially schematic structural view of a fourth type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a partially schematic structural view of a fifth type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a partially schematic structural view of a sixth type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a partially schematic structural view of a seventh type of massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of a first type of airbag pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of a second type of airbag pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention and not all. All other embodiments obtained by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0007] Please note the Fig. 1-3. One embodiment of the present application provides a massage device 100. It specifically includes a main body 10, a silicone layer 20, a pressure sensor 30, a controller 40, and a support member 50.

[0008] The main body 10 is a rigid structure, and a controller 40 is arranged inside the main body 10. For example, the main body 10 may specifically be a rigid plastic structure.

[0009] The silicone layer 20 wraps around the outer layer of the main body 10. During use, the silicone layer 20 typically comes into direct contact with the human body, which can increase the comfort of the massage device 100 during use.

[0010] The pressure sensor 30 is arranged between the silicone layer 20 and the main body 10 and is attached to the first end portion of the main body 10. The first end portion of the main body 10 is the massage end portion of the massage device 100. Here, the main body 10 includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite each other. The first end portion mainly serves as the massage end portion of the massage device 100, mainly providing massage vibrations, etc., while the second end portion may be the end portion held by the user's hand.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 30 is electrically connected to the controller 40. The pressure sensor 30 serves to transmit the detected pressure signal to the controller 40.

[0012] In this embodiment of the present application, a support element 50 is added to the massage device 100. The support element 50 is arranged between the silicone layer 20 and the pressure sensor 30. The support element 50 includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite each other, wherein the area of ​​the first end surface is larger than the area of ​​the second end surface. The first end surface abuts the silicone layer 20, and the second end surface abuts the pressure sensor 30. The support element 50 serves to transmit pressure.

[0013] In other words, in this embodiment of the present application, the support element 50 has two end surfaces of different areas, namely the first end surface and the second end surface. The larger first end surface abuts the silicone layer 20, while the smaller second end surface abuts the pressure sensor 30.

[0014] During actual use of the massage device 100, pressure conduction optimization through the support member 50 can be achieved due to the addition of a support member 50 with two ends of different areas between the silicone layer 20 and the pressure sensor 30. That is, the larger end surface (first end surface) of the support member 50 directly contacts the human body and transmits the pressure to the second end surface, which abuts the pressure sensor 30, allowing the pressure sensor 30 to detect pressure over a wider area.

[0015] Considering that the pressure sensors currently installed in existing massage devices can only detect pressure values ​​within a fixed range, their force detection range is small. When different users operate the device, the contact position between the contact end of the massage device and the human body may vary, resulting in different responses of the pressure sensor. This results in the massage device having different control responses for different users, affecting the user's interactive experience. Specifically, from the perspective of massage device manufacturers, their pressure sensors are set within fixed ranges based on the vibration characteristics of the product.However, since different users have different perceptions and comfort levels regarding vibration massage, fixed ranges may be suitable for most users, but a small number of users may experience a usage deviation of 0.5 cm to 2 cm from the ideal range, which in turn leads to variations in the response of the pressure sensor, making precise control impossible for different users. Therefore, the present embodiment provides a massage device 100 comprising a support member 50 having two end surfaces of different areas, disposed between its silicone layer 20 and the pressure sensor 30. The larger first end surface abuts the silicone layer 20, and the smaller second end surface abuts the pressure sensor 30.This design can increase the physical sensing range of the pressure sensor 30, allowing the pressure sensor 30 to sense pressure over a wider area due to the mechanical force transmission of the support member 50, thereby solving the problem of control deviation caused by the usage deviations of a small number of users in current product designs. That is, from the perspective of the physical contact area, the pressure contact area is increased.

[0016] It can be seen that the massage device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application can improve the interactive response of the pressure sensor 30 and enhance the user experience.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support member 50 may be a rigid support member.

[0018] The rigid support member may be, but is not limited to, plastic materials such as ABS plastic, PC plastic, and the like. The rigid support member may also be a metal material, such as aluminum alloy, etc.

[0019] It should be noted that the use of a rigid support element provides better conductivity efficiency.

[0020] In another embodiment, the support element 50 may be an elastic support element.

[0021] The elastic support member may be, but is not limited to, silicone, synthetic rubber, and the like.

[0022] In this embodiment of the present application, the elastic support element may be a composite material. For example, the elastic support element may comprise a silicone matrix and a metal mesh or spring disposed within the silicone matrix.

[0023] It should be noted that the use of an elastic support member can absorb part of the external force energy, thereby increasing the detection range of the pressure sensor 30.

[0024] Furthermore, the support element 50 can also be a composite structure. For example, the first end surface of the support element 50 can be made of silicone, and the second end surface of the support element 50 can be made of a plastic material. This allows the support element 50 to absorb some of the external force energy, thereby increasing the detection range of the pressure sensor 30, and also to have better conductivity efficiency.

[0025] Optionally, the area ratio of the first end surface to the second end surface is K; the value range of K is 2 to 8.

[0026] Specifically, the area of ​​the first end surface of the support member 50 is S1, and the area of ​​the second end surface of the support member 50 is S2. Then, K = S1 / S2, which is the ratio of the area of ​​the first end surface S1 to the area of ​​the second end surface S2 of the support member 50. The range of this ratio K is 2 to 8.

[0027] Specifically, this ratio can be 2, 4, 8, etc.

[0028] It should be noted that setting the area ratio of the first end surface to the second end surface in the range of 2 to 8 comprehensively considers the support stability of the support member 50 within the massage device 100 and the effectiveness of the reaction.

[0029] Furthermore, the setting of the ratio K can vary for different applications of the massage device 100. For example, if the massage device 100 is a common household massager, the area ratio K of the first end surface to the second end surface is set to 2 to 4, prioritizing economy and durability. If the massage device 100 is a medical massager, the area ratio K of the first end surface to the second end surface is set to 3 to 7, thereby improving the interactive response of the pressure sensor 30 and increasing the subsequent pressure feedback accuracy.

[0030] Optionally, in one embodiment, the pressure sensor 30 is a patch pressure sensor.

[0031] For example, in this embodiment of the present application, the patch pressure sensor may specifically be a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor.

[0032] Wherein the shape of the second end face is the same as the shape of the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor. And the area of ​​the second end face is equal to the area of ​​the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor.

[0033] In other words, in this embodiment, the shape of the second end face is perfectly matched to the actual sensing range of the patch pressure sensor. That is, the second end face completely covers the sensitive unit of the pressure sensor, achieving perfect matching. This method can solve the signal attenuation caused by edge overhang, and the perfectly matched shape can also reduce energy loss.

[0034] Please note the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. If the pressure sensor 30 is a patch pressure sensor, its shape may be circular. Accordingly, the structure of the support member 50 is a truncated cone structure, meaning that both the first end surface and the second end surface of the support member 50 are circular.

[0035] That is, in this embodiment, the shape of the second end surface is the same as the shape of the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor, and the area of ​​the second end surface is equal to the area of ​​the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor, and both the shape of the second end surface and the shape of the patch pressure sensor are circular.

[0036] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present application, the use of a circular patch pressure sensor and the configuration of a corresponding frustoconical support element 50 provide significant advantages in mechanical transmission. In particular, the axial symmetry property of the frustoconical structure enables smooth transmission of multidirectional pressure. For example, some users habitually use the massage device 100 sideways (with an angular deviation from the ideal forward angle), and this structure can still achieve good detection and responsive control.

[0037] Please note the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. If the pressure sensor 30 is a patch pressure sensor, its shape can also be quadrilateral. Accordingly, the structure of the support member 50 is a truncated pyramid structure, meaning that both the first end face and the second end face of the support member 50 are quadrilateral.

[0038] That is, in this embodiment, the shape of the second end surface is the same as the shape of the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor, and the area of ​​the second end surface is equal to the area of ​​the actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor, and both the shape of the second end surface and the shape of the patch pressure sensor are quadrilateral.

[0039] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the use of a quadrilateral patch pressure sensor and the configuration of a corresponding truncated pyramid support element 50 provide significant advantages in mechanical transmission. In particular, it exhibits stronger directional sensing capabilities and is more sensitive to longitudinal pressure sensing.

[0040] Additionally, in other embodiments, the shape of the pressure sensor 30 and the support member 50 may be adapted to other shapes, and the present application does not limit this.

[0041] Optionally, in one embodiment, the number of pressure sensors 30 and the number of support elements 50 are both N, where N is a positive integer; each pressure sensor 30 corresponds to one support element 50.

[0042] That is, N pairs of pressure detecting units are provided on the massage device 100, and each pair of pressure detecting units includes a pressure sensor 30 and a support member 50. For example, N may be specifically 2, 3, 4, etc.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when N is 2, the massage device 100 includes two pressure sensors 30 and two support members 50. That is, two pairs of pressure sensing units are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the massage device 100. This enables effective detection on the upper and lower sides as shown in the figure (since some users habitually use the massage device 100 upside down).

[0044] In other words, in this embodiment of the present application, by providing N pressure sensors 30 and a corresponding number of support members 50 on the massage device 100, single-position detection can be upgraded to multi-position detection, meaning that pressure can be detected at multiple positions at the massage end portion of the massage device 100. This can meet the usage needs of different users, and multi-position detection can also provide functions such as subsequent user massage action detection.

[0045] Optionally, the N pressure sensors 30 are distributed axially symmetrically at the first end portion of the main body 10, whereby the N support elements 50 make contact one after the other.

[0046] In other words, the N pressure sensors 30 are distributed axially symmetrically at the first end portion of the main body 10, and their corresponding N support elements 50 are arranged annularly at the first end portion. This method can achieve omnidirectional pressure sensing. At the same time, this method also facilitates the calculation of the total pressure applied to the massage end portion of the massage device 100. For example, when the massage end portion is inserted into the human body, the total pressure on the massage end portion can be effectively detected, facilitating more precise subsequent pressure adjustment control.

[0047] Please note the Fig. 9-10. The present application further provides a massage device 100 having an airbag pressure sensor as the pressure sensor 30.

[0048] The airbag pressure sensor includes a sealed airbag 301 and a pressure sensor 302 (barometer pressure sensor) arranged in the sealed airbag.

[0049] The pressure sensor 302 is electrically connected to the controller 50.

[0050] The sealed airbag 301 includes a flexible contact end and a fixed end. The flexible contact end is connected to the support member 50, and the fixed end is used for attachment to the first end portion of the main body 10.

[0051] It's worth noting that the airbag pressure sensor can be placed anywhere requiring pressure sensing, increasing the product's design flexibility and providing a superior tactile experience due to its airbag structure. Furthermore, the airbag pressure sensor can absorb part of the external force, so its sensing range is larger than that of conventional pressure sensors. In other words, unlike conventional pressure sensors, whose sensitive elements do not exhibit deformation response (i.e., yield) when subjected to external forces, the airbag pressure sensor can absorb part of the external force energy (similar to the principle of the support member 50), effectively expanding the response range of the pressure sensor 30.

[0052] Therefore, in addition to improving the response range by adding the support member 50, this embodiment of the present application can further increase the response range by configuring the pressure sensor 30 as an airbag pressure sensor. This results in a massage product with a wide response range and a more substantial interactive experience. Furthermore, due to the uniform distribution of air pressure within the airbag, it has identical response characteristics to pressure from any direction. When integrated into the massage device 100, this further improves the interactive response experience and product quality of contact-based massage devices.

[0053] Please note the Fig. 11. The sealed airbag 301 may include M sub-chambers 3011, and the number of pressure sensors 302 is also M, where M is a positive integer.

[0054] As in Fig. 11, M may be 6, but it may also be 4, 8, etc.; the present application does not limit this.

[0055] Each sub-chamber 3011 contains a pressure sensor 302, and each pressure sensor 302 is connected to the controller 50.

[0056] It is important to note that in this embodiment of the present application, each sub-chamber 3011 can independently detect the local pressure, thereby achieving high-resolution pressure distribution detection. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, the sealed airbag 301 can be divided into six sensing areas, allowing each sensing area to correspond to and sense the pressure in its respective region. Sensing pressure in independent areas can facilitate the identification or tracking of user movements. For example, when the massage end portion of the massage device 100 is inserted into the human body, sensing the pressure in each sub-area within fixed regional positions can help detect the user's movements during massage use.

[0057] Optionally, the M subchambers 3011 are arranged in an array.

[0058] It should be noted that arranging the M subchambers 3011 in an array can further improve the spatial resolution.

[0059] Optionally, the sealed airbag 301 comprises M sub-chambers 3011, and the M sub-chambers 3011 are connected to each other; M is a positive integer.

[0060] That is, this embodiment provides a sealed airbag 301 having interconnected multiple sub-chambers 3011. Only one pressure sensor 302 can be installed in such an interconnected sealed airbag 301. This pressure sensor 302 can be placed in each of the sub-chambers 3011.

[0061] Interconnected M subchambers 3011 can distribute the force evenly and maintain balanced air pressure. Furthermore, the use of a single pressure sensor 302 can reduce costs.

[0062] In summary, the massage device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application offers the following advantageous effects: First, existing massage devices typically use pressure sensors that only capture pressure values ​​within a fixed, narrow response range. This limitation leads to inconsistent pressure sensor responses when different users contact the human body at different points due to slight variations (e.g., 0.5 cm to 2 cm) in the way they hold or apply the device. Such inconsistencies lead to different control responses for different users, negatively impacting the overall interactive experience.

[0063] To address this, the present embodiment introduces a massage device 100 that includes a support member 50 positioned between the silicone layer 20 and the pressure sensor 30. This support member 50 has two end surfaces of different areas: a larger first end surface that abuts the silicone layer 20 and a smaller second end surface that abuts the pressure sensor 30. This design effectively increases the physical response range of the pressure sensor 30, allowing it to detect pressure over a wider area due to the mechanical force transmission through the support member 50.

[0064] This innovative approach solves the control deviation problems resulting from minor user application variations in current product designs.

[0065] Furthermore, from the perspective of pressure sensing values, the support member 50 can absorb some of the external force energy, thereby increasing the sensing range of the pressure sensor 30. Consequently, the massage device 100 presented in this embodiment significantly improves the interactive response of the pressure sensor 30, resulting in a superior user experience.

[0066] Second, conventional pressure sensors, whose sensitive elements exhibit no deformation response (i.e., no yielding) when subjected to external forces, inherently have a limited response range. To overcome this, the present embodiment integrates an airbag pressure sensor as pressure sensor 30. This type of sensor can be strategically placed anywhere pressure sensing is required, providing increased product design flexibility and a more comfortable tactile interface due to its airbag structure.

[0067] Crucially, the airbag pressure sensor can absorb some of the external force, contributing to a larger detection range compared to conventional pressure sensors. Therefore, in addition to using the support member 50 to expand the response range, the use of an airbag pressure sensor 30 in the present embodiment further enhances this, providing a massage product with an expanded response range and a more immersive interactive feel. Furthermore, because the air pressure within the airbag is evenly distributed, it exhibits consistent response characteristics to pressure from any direction. When integrated into the massage device 100, this feature enhances the interactive response experience and product quality of contact-based massage.

Claims

[1] A massage device, characterized by that it includes: a main body which is a rigid structure and a controller arranged in the main body; a silicone layer encasing an outer layer of the main body; a pressure sensor disposed between the silicone layer and the main body and attached to a first end portion of the main body; wherein the first end portion of the main body is a massage end portion of the massage device; wherein the pressure sensor is connected to the controller; and a support element arranged between the silicone layer and the pressure sensor, the support element comprising a first end surface and a second end surface arranged relative to one another, an area of ​​the first end surface being larger than an area of ​​the second end surface, the first end surface abutting the silicone layer, the second end surface abutting the pressure sensor, and the support element serving to transmit pressure. [2] The massage device according to claim 1, characterized by that an area ratio of the first end surface to the second end surface is K; where K is in the range of 2 to 8. [3] The massage device according to claim 1, characterized by that a structure of the support element is a truncated cone structure; wherein both the first end surface and the second end surface are circular. [4] The massage device according to claim 1, characterized by that the pressure sensor is a patch pressure sensor; wherein a shape of the second end surface is identical to a shape of an actual detection area of ​​the patch pressure sensor; and an area of ​​the second end surface is equal to the area of ​​the actual sensing area of ​​the patch pressure sensor. [5] The massage device according to claim 1, characterized by that a number of the pressure sensors and a number of the support elements are both N, where N is a positive integer; wherein each of the pressure sensors corresponds to one of the support elements; wherein the N pressure sensors are distributed in an axisymmetric manner at the first end portion of the main body and cause the N support elements to come into contact one after the other. [6] The massage device according to claim 1, characterized by that the pressure sensor is an airbag pressure sensor; wherein the airbag pressure sensor comprises a sealed airbag and a pressure sensor disposed within the sealed airbag; where the pressure sensor is connected to the controller. [7] The massage device according to claim 6, characterized by that the sealed airbag comprises a flexible contact end and a fixed end; wherein the flexible contact end is connected to the support element and the fixed end serves for attachment to the first end portion of the main body. [8] The massage device according to claim 6, characterized by that the sealed airbag comprises M sub-chambers and a number of pressure sensors M; where M is a positive integer; wherein one of the pressure sensors is arranged in each of the sub-chambers and each of the pressure sensors is connected to the controller. [9] The massage device according to claim 8, characterized by that the M subchambers are arranged in an array. [10] The massage device according to claim 6, characterized bythat the sealed airbag comprises M sub-chambers; and the M sub-chambers are interconnected; where M is a positive integer.

Images