Adjustable-Amplitude Percussive Therapy Device Using Eccentric Stroke Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing percussive massage therapy devices lack the ability to adjust amplitude and frequency in real time, are noisy, complex, costly, and lack tissue impact mitigation, limiting user experience and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A percussive therapy device with adjustable amplitude and frequency, featuring a gear assembly with a planetary gear and eccentric drive unit, allowing real-time stroke and frequency adjustments without manual input, and incorporating cushioning devices for noise reduction and tissue protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art percussive massage apparatuses use fixed or limited stroke options with complex gearing mechanisms, then manufacturing precision and reliability are maintained, but amplitude adjustability and user adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic amplitude adjustment by making the stroke length variable rather than fixed. The positioning gear (worm gear) allows the ring gear to be rotated to different angular positions, changing the eccentricity of the eccentric drive unit relative to the motor centerline. This enables the stroke length to be dynamically adjusted between a great number of different amplitudes in real-time, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing continuous adjustment capability within a simplified gear assembly framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of stroke length by varying the angular position of the ring gear through the positioning gear mechanism. By rotating the ring gear to different positions, the eccentric distance between the eccentric drive unit and motor centerline changes, thereby changing the stroke amplitude parameter. This allows the device to provide a substantial number of different stroke lengths without requiring multiple discrete mechanical configurations, addressing the adaptability-contradiction effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art percussive massage apparatuses use complex gearing mechanisms for stroke adjustment, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but noise levels and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of both stroke and frequency parameters through a coordinated gear system. The positioning gear (worm gear) controls the ring gear position for stroke adjustment, while the drive motor speed control adjusts frequency. Both adjustments can occur in real-time during operation, enabling the device to adapt to changing therapeutic needs without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms that would generate additional noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear assembly serves multiple functions: the planetary gear and ring gear provide both the drive mechanism for reciprocating motion and the positioning mechanism for stroke adjustment. The same basic gear structure enables both frequency control (through motor speed) and amplitude control (through ring gear positioning), reducing the need for separate noise-generating adjustment mechanisms and consolidating functions within a single multi-functional gear system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If prior art percussive massage apparatuses lack tissue impact mitigation components, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue damage risk and harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cushioning devices positioned to contact the reciprocating member during its reciprocation. These cushioning elements are built into the device structure to beforehand mitigate the impact forces delivered to the tissue. By pre-positioning these cushioning components within the gear assembly and reciprocating mechanism, the device reduces tissue impact risk without requiring external accessories or complex additional systems, resolving the contradiction between harm reduction and device simplicity.
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
Enables muscle comfort, health, and flexibility improvements by allowing dynamic adjustment of stroke and frequency during therapy sessions, reducing noise and complexity while promoting muscle recovery and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The device is configured with a number of gears, including a planetary gear, a ring gear, and a positioning gear
Implementation Method 2
configured with a number of gears, including a planetary gear, a ring gear, and a positioning gear permitting amplitude to be varied
Implementation Method 3
stroke adjustment is achieved by moving an eccentric drive axle at varying distances with respect to a centerline of the motor
Implementation Method 4
The device may include a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a shock absorbing spring therebetween
Implementation Method 5
shock absorbing spring therebetween
Implementation Method 6
a threaded stroke adjustment apparatus that may be rotated for stroke of a piston to be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for percussive massage therapy is described. The device includes a reciprocating member configured to move at any number of different amplitudes and frequencies. In one example of the device of the present invention, the device is configured with a number of gears which permit amplitude to be varied between a great number of amplitudes within a predetermined range. In another example of the device of the present invention, a threaded stroke adjustment apparatus is positioned at the front of the device, and may be rotated in a first direction to increase stroke, and may be rotated in a second direction to decrease stroke. Amplitude and frequency may be adjusted in real time. In yet another example of the device of the present invention, stroke adjustment is achieved by moving an eccentric drive axle within an eccentric drive unit by way of rotation of a ring gear.