Adjustable Leg Therapy Apparatus for Contour Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg therapy apparatuses lack the ability to efficiently and comfortably massage leg muscle groups, particularly the thigh and calf areas, which are prone to soreness and trauma, and do not effectively address fat tissue and cellulite removal.
Innovation Solution
A leg therapy apparatus with a frame structure composed of adjustable arc-shaped support members, user engagement elements, and a coupling mechanism that allows for controlled movement along varying leg contours, providing resistance through user effort or optional resistance components, enabling deep massage and fat tissue breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid frame structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the apparatus cannot adapt to varying leg contours and muscle thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure employs movable support members that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations to conform to varying leg contours. The support members are coupled through joints that allow relative movement, enabling the rigid frame to adapt its shape while maintaining structural stability during therapy operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple independent support members (first and second support members) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each member to independently adjust to local contour variations while the overall frame maintains its structural integrity through the coupling mechanism.
2Productivity
If manual grasping and moving is required, then operation simplicity is maintained, but therapeutic effectiveness and force consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be self-adjusting through its movable support members that automatically conform to leg contours during movement. The user simply guides the apparatus along the leg, and the support members self-adjust their positions to maintain optimal engagement, reducing the need for complex manual adjustments while improving therapeutic effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support members are rigidly connected, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to move along varying contours is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between support members transitions from rigid to dynamic, allowing the structure to maintain stability in its overall configuration while enabling local adjustments. The joints permit controlled movement that adapts to contour variations without compromising the structural integrity needed for effective therapy.
4Ease of operation
If engagement elements are fixed in position, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but comfort and effectiveness of massage therapy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement elements are positioned on movable support members that adjust their locations during operation. This dynamic positioning allows the engagement elements to maintain optimal contact with the leg surface throughout the therapy movement, improving comfort and effectiveness without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms for each individual element.
Data Source
AI summary
A leg therapy apparatus is provided which enables the user to easily and comfortable engage the various muscles of the leg, providing the leg muscles with a therapeutic message which helps to loosen and relieve sore or damages muscles. The apparatus may also be used to assist in the removal of cellulite from areas of the leg. The apparatus is basically comprised of a frame structure means, a user engagement means, a coupling means, and an optional resistance means. The frame structure means has at least two main support members coupled together in such a manner that the leg of the user may be placed within, with the main support members surrounding a significant portion of the leg. The main support members are adjustably coupled together by the coupling means such that they may alternatively move away and towards one another, as the various leg muscles of the user are being engaged by the user engagement means. The optional resistance means may be used to provide motion resistance.