Ergonomic Soft Tissue Manipulation Tools for Precise Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current soft tissue manipulation tools lack ergonomics, durability, and cause discomfort due to their design and material, leading to therapist fatigue and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

Development of ergonomic soft tissue manipulation tools made from durable, non-porous materials like Stereolithography (SLA) resin, featuring precise contours and ridges for improved grip, and resonating capabilities to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current soft tissue manipulation tools are used, then soft tissue therapy can be performed, but therapist fatigue and patient discomfort occur due to poor ergonomics and uncomfortable materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapist comfortVSAvoidtherapist fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changes from traditional steel or hard plastic materials to elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A), fundamentally changing the mechanical parameters of the tool to provide both therapist comfort and patient comfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tool employs composite construction with an elastomeric outer layer providing comfort and durability, combined with an internal structure that may include foam core or hollow chambers, creating a multi-material system that balances ergonomics, durability, and therapeutic function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If steel or hard plastic tools are used, then durability is achieved, but patient discomfort and therapist fatigue occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool durabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool transitions from hard materials (steel, hard plastic) to elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A), fundamentally changing the mechanical parameters to provide both durability and patient comfort simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material provides a non-porous surface that is durable yet comfortable for patient contact, eliminating the harshness of steel or hard plastic while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of manufacture

If non-ergonomic tools are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but excessive force and strain are required by the therapist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool manufacturingVSAvoidtherapist applied force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates ergonomic curved surfaces and contoured shapes that naturally distribute applied force and conform to body contours, reducing the effort required by the therapist while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material properties (durometer 40-70 Shore A) enable the tool to deform slightly under pressure, distributing force more evenly across the treatment area and reducing peak forces required by the therapist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If steel tools are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but discomfort occurs when applied to patient skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool structural integrityVSAvoidskin discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool transitions from steel to elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A), fundamentally changing the mechanical parameters to provide both structural integrity and skin comfort simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250325435A1Devices for addressing soft tissue pathologies

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CO CAROLINE JOY YUMUL

AI summary

A set of ergonomic soft tissue manipulation tools includes tools having an elongated monolithic body, with a first tapered end shaped in an arc corresponding to a contour of a selected part of the patient's body, with ridges formed on the body. The first tapered end is used to apply pressure to the skin of a patient's body to diagnose and treat soft tissue abnormalities. The versatile, ergonomic, and durable devices are designed and shaped to provide concentrated pressure. The ridges improve stability and leverage when treating soft tissue pathologies.