Adapter Assembly with Detent Locking for Vibration-Resistant Treatment Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Therapeutic treatment or massage devices with interchangeable components face complexity in changing mechanisms and components may become loose due to vibrations during use.

Innovation Solution

An adapter assembly for a reciprocating treatment device, featuring a main body with attachment members and arms, utilizing detents and balls for secure attachment of treatment members to the shaft, ensuring stability and ease of attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple attachment mechanism is used for interchangeable treatment members, then the device complexity is reduced, but the components may come loose due to vibrations during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidcomponent attachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a shaft with external threads, a treatment member with internal threads, and a separate locking mechanism with detents and balls. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism with detents and balls is designed to preemptively counteract the loosening effect of vibrations before they can cause the treatment member to become loose. The balls engage with the detents to create a preliminary counter-force that prevents vibration-induced loosening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism with detents and balls is used, then the reliability of component attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment stabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the interaction of spring-loaded balls and detents. When the treatment member is threaded onto the shaft, the balls automatically engage with the detents without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby achieving reliable attachment with minimal operational steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The threading action simultaneously secures the treatment member to the shaft and engages the locking balls with the detents, eliminating the need for separate attachment and locking steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If treatment members are securely locked during reciprocating motion, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for changing components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stability during useVSAvoidcomponent changing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with spring-loaded balls that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. During normal use, the balls are compressed by spring force to maintain secure locking. When axial force is applied to remove the treatment member, the balls are pushed inward by the spring, automatically disengaging from the detents and allowing easy removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a threaded attachment system is used, then the ease of operation for attaching and detaching components is improved, but the reliability under vibration may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment easeVSAvoidcomponent stability under vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into two distinct functional components: a threaded connection for ease of attachment/detachment and a separate locking mechanism with balls and detents for vibration resistance. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize its specific function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system combines two different mechanical connection methods (threading and detent-based locking) into a composite mechanism. The threaded portion provides easy assembly and disassembly, while the interlocking balls and detents provide vibration resistance, creating a composite attachment system that delivers both ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 adapter assembly provides a secure and efficient method for attaching multiple treatment members to a reciprocating treatment device, preventing loose connections and simplifying the process of changing components, thereby enhancing the stability and usability of the device.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing detents and balls for secure attachment of treatment members to the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11166863B2Attachment system for a plurality of treatment members

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 THERABODY INC

AI summary

An adapter assembly for use with a reciprocating treatment device that includes a main body portion having at least a first top male attachment member or a first top female attachment member on a top thereof and at least first and second bottom male attachment members or first and second bottom female attachment members on a bottom thereof.