Modular Therapy Device with Adjustable Roller Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing physical therapy devices are limited to specific uses or effects, making it difficult and costly for therapists to maintain a wide range of tools for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular therapeutic device with adjustable rollers and interchangeable bands, allowing for customizable configurations to accommodate different uses and patient needs, featuring a shaft with rotatable balls and an adjustable locking mechanism, along with a handle and connector system for versatile soft tissue treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical therapists use multiple specialized devices for different therapeutic applications, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic application rangeVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates multiple functional components including adjustable rollers with different diameters, interchangeable bands with varying resistance levels, and adjustable positioning mechanisms that enable a single device to perform multiple therapeutic functions across different body areas and patient needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components such as separate rollers, bands, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted or replaced, allowing customization for specific therapeutic applications while maintaining a single unified device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical therapists maintain a wide range of specialized tools, then treatment versatility is improved, but cost and maintenance burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment customizationVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple therapeutic capabilities within one unit, including different roller configurations, band attachments, and positioning options, eliminating the need for therapists to maintain separate specialized tools for various treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses adjustable and interchangeable components, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable configurationsVSAvoidadjustable features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable rollers with variable diameters and interchangeable bands with different resistance levels, allowing dynamic reconfiguration for different therapeutic needs while using standardized connection mechanisms to manage the complexity of adjustment features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10363195B2Devices and methodologies for physical therapy and well being

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 POWELL CHRISTIE J

AI summary

A device for use in physical therapy is provided. The device includes an axis, and a plurality of balls which are rotatably mounted on the axis. Each ball is equipped with a shaft through which the axis extends. The surface of the shaft is equipped with a plurality of spaced apart protrusions, and an adjustable locking feature disposed on the axis that rotatably and releasably engages the grooves formed by the spaces between the protrusions such that the distance between the balls may be adjustably fixed to any of a plurality of predetermined values.