Flexible Rack Gear Belt for Stable Reclining Massage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional massage apparatuses face difficulties in maintaining normal movement of the massage module when the backrest is reclined or changed, due to variations in the interval between the gear teeth of the rack gear, leading to inefficient massage delivery.
Innovation Solution
A massage apparatus featuring a flexible rack gear system with a buttock rack gear and back rack gear without a connection unit, a rack gear belt with holes made of flexible material, and a rack gear support to stabilize the belt, along with a pinion gear and guide rollers to ensure smooth movement and prevent shaking of the massage module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid rack gear is used to move the massage module, then the structure is simple and stable, but the interval between gear teeth changes when the backrest is reclined, causing the massage module to move abnormally
Solution Approach 1:
The rack gear is transformed from a rigid structure to a flexible belt structure that can dynamically adapt its shape. The flexible rack gear belt can bend and deform to accommodate different backrest positions (erect, reclined, folded), maintaining proper gear tooth engagement throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible rack gear belt replaces the traditional rigid rack gear. The belt is made of flexible material that allows it to conform to the changing geometry of the backrest frame, ensuring consistent gear tooth spacing and proper engagement with the pinion gear regardless of the backrest angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rack gear is made flexible to adapt to backrest position changes, then adaptability improves, but the gear tooth interval may vary causing abnormal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rack gear belt maintains consistent gear tooth spacing through its elastic properties. When the backrest position changes, the belt deforms uniformly, preserving the relative distance between gear teeth and ensuring smooth engagement with the pinion gear throughout the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the rack gear are changed from rigid to flexible, allowing the structure to adapt its shape while maintaining functional precision. The flexible material enables the rack gear to deform with the backrest position changes while keeping gear tooth intervals consistent through elastic recovery.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a connection unit is added to connect the buttock rack gear and back rack gear, then structural stability improves, but the flexibility needed for position adaptation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separate buttock rack gear and back rack gear are merged into a single continuous flexible rack gear belt. This unified structure eliminates the need for connection units while maintaining structural integrity through the belt's continuous flexible material, allowing seamless adaptation to position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack gear system transitions from a static connected structure to a dynamic flexible belt that can continuously adjust its configuration. The flexible belt maintains structural stability through its material properties while enabling smooth transitions between different backrest positions without rigid connection points.
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 the massage module to move freely between the buttock and back rack gears regardless of the backrest position, ensuring consistent and effective massage delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a rack gear belt having a plurality of holes, made of a flexible material, and extending along a buttock frame and a back frame included in the main frame
Implementation Method 2
a guide roller rotating in contact with the rack gear support by the movement of the pinion gear, and preventing the massage module from shaking
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a massage apparatus comprising a flexible rack gear. A main frame comprises: a rack gear belt comprising a rack gear which is for moving a massage module, has a plurality of holes formed therein, is formed from a flexible material, and extends along a buttocks frame and a back frame comprised in the main frame, wherein the rack gear comprises a buttocks rack gear and a back rack gear and is formed without a connecting portion for connecting the buttocks rack gear and back rack gear; and a rack gear support part which is positioned below the rack gear belt to support the rack gear belt, and is formed from a flexible material. The massage module comprises: a pinion gear which comprises pinion gear teeth engaging the rack gear belt, and moves the massage module along the rack gear by means of rotation transmitted from an actuator; a connecting link for connecting the pinion gear and a guide roller; and the guide roller which rotates in contact with the rack gear support part by means of the movement of the pinion gear, and prevents the massage module from shaking.