Fascia Manipulation Device Impulse Force Transmitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical devices for chiropractic manipulation are not configured to apply sustained and repetitive shearing forces effectively to the skin for mobilizing superficial and deep fascial tissues, which can lead to maladaptive restrictions and conditions like Dupuytren's contracture.

Innovation Solution

A modular device that translates a linear force into a rapid translational impulse at the skin's surface, using a strike head, force transmitter, and patient interface to apply a controlled break force to fascial tissue, facilitating fascial mobilization by breaking fibrotic adhesions and improving mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chiropractic manipulation devices are used for mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, then spinal manipulation effectiveness is improved, but applicability to fascial tissue mobilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to fascial tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: a strike head for delivering linear force, a force transmitter for converting the force type, and a patient interface for skin contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling versatility in application to different tissues including fascia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver controlled linear blows for traditional chiropractic manipulation, convert forces into rapid translational impulses for fascial mobilization, and accommodate different strike heads and patient interfaces for various treatment needs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between specialized effectiveness and broad applicability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If sustained and repetitive shearing force is applied to mobilize fascial tissues, then fascial mobility is improved, but device configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefascial mobilization capabilityVSAvoidforce application mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces complex sustained shearing force mechanisms with a simpler system that delivers rapid translational impulses. The force transmitter converts linear blow forces into the desired rapid translational motion at the skin surface, achieving fascial mobilization through impulse rather than sustained force, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device delivers force through repeated impulsive blows rather than continuous sustained force. This periodic impulsive action achieves fascial mobilization through cumulative effect of multiple rapid translational impulses, simplifying the force application mechanism compared to maintaining constant shearing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If rapid translational impulse force is applied to break fibrotic adhesions, then mobility improvement is achieved, but risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion breakdown efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes the parameters of force application by controlling the magnitude, duration, and direction of the rapid translational impulse. The force transmitter modulates these parameters to deliver sufficient impulse to break fibrotic adhesions while staying within safe tissue tolerance limits, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The force transmitter acts as an intermediary between the strike head and patient interface, converting and modulating the linear blow force into controlled rapid translational impulses. This intermediary function allows force transformation that achieves adhesion breakdown while controlling harmful effects through precise force modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively breaks fibrotic tissue adhesions and improves mobility by applying a controlled force, suitable for various body locations and conditions, with interchangeable components for customizable treatment.

Implementation Method 1

A force transmitter translates the linear blow into a rapid translational impulse force at the skin's surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10485731B2Fascia manipulation device and method

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 BABIUK CRAIG

AI summary

A device, and the use thereof, for imparting shearing force to superficial and deep fascial layers to improve soft tissue mobility and function. Embodiments of the invention include three general components: a strike head, a force transmitter and a patient interface. A strike force generated at or by the strike head is transmitted by the force transmitter (and normalized/modulated in the case of the force modulator version of the force transmitter) to the patient interface and then to patient tissue.