Back Therapy Device with Helical Spring Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapy and training devices are not suitable for back therapy or training due to the large distance between spherical bodies and the placement of handles that can cause discomfort or injury when used as a back device, as they do not adapt appropriately to the curvature of the back and lack stability.
Innovation Solution
A therapy and training device featuring two elastically deformable spherical bodies with diameters between 50 mm and 140 mm made of foam, connected by a helical spring spacer with ends fixed into metal or plastic blocks, allowing for flexible movement and stability adjustments to fit the user's back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between spherical bodies is large, then the device can accommodate larger massage bodies, but the device becomes unsuitable for back therapy due to inability to adapt to back curvature and potential instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring element connecting the two spherical bodies, allowing the distance between them to vary. This enables the device to adapt its shape to the curvature of the back while maintaining sufficiently large spherical bodies for effective massage therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element allows the distance parameter between spherical bodies to change dynamically, transforming the device from a rigid fixed-distance configuration to a flexible variable-distance configuration that can conform to the back's curvature.
2Length of moving object
If a handle is attached to connect spherical bodies, then the spherical bodies can be connected at appropriate distances, but the handle causes discomfort or injury when placed under the spine during back therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle component from the device design, replacing it with a spring element that connects the spherical bodies directly without requiring a user-held handle, thereby eliminating the source of discomfort or injury under the spine.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as an intermediary connection between the spherical bodies, providing the necessary structural link without requiring direct user contact or placement under the spine, thus avoiding harmful effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spherical bodies are made rigid, then structural stability is maintained, but the device cannot deform appropriately to fit the curvature of the back
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct components: rigid spherical bodies for stable massage contact and a flexible spring element for adaptation. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the spheres maintain stability while the spring provides deformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines materials with different mechanical properties - rigid material for the spherical bodies and elastic material for the spring element - creating a composite structure that exhibits both stability and adaptability characteristics.
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 device provides a training-appropriate adaptation to the back's curvature and enhances stability, allowing for effective muscle engagement and safety by deforming between 20% and 40% of its diameter under load, while the arcuate grooves and blocks ensure secure positioning and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable spacer 2 in the form of a helical spring connecting the two spherical bodies 1 to one another
Implementation Method 2
The spherical bodies are made of foam and have such a hardness or rigidity that they deform between 20% and 40% of their diameter when the back of a person using the device is loaded
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for therapy and training for the back, comprising two elastically deformable bodies (1) which are arranged at a distance from each other, between which a deformable spacer (2) which interconnects both bodies (1) is arranged, said device being characterized in that said spacer (2) is embodied as a spring element in form of a helical spring (2), the ends thereof being bent so as to form journals (2.1) extending in the extension of the helical spring axis, said journals being introduced into blocks (3) fixed in the inside of the bodies (1).