Massage Appliance Actuator-Driven Localized Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices using suction means are limited in their ability to apply significant compression to deep layers of the skin, often resulting in insufficient treatment of underlying tissues due to the risk of skin lesions and limited vacuum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device combining suction means with independent actuator-driven localized compression, allowing continuous and variable force application that is not dependent on the suction pressure, using internal support elements such as projecting fingers and elongated bosses to exert pressure on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If suction means are used to create depression in the skin, then the skin can be brought into contact with support elements, but the compression force on deep layers of the skin is limited due to the risk of skin lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines suction means with independent actuator-driven compression means into a single massage device. The suction chamber creates skin depression while the actuator simultaneously applies localized compression force through support elements, achieving deep tissue treatment without relying solely on suction pressure. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing dual-action therapy that addresses both superficial and deep tissue needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator provides dynamic, variable compression force that is independent of the suction pressure. The compression force can be adjusted and varied during operation, allowing the device to adapt to different treatment requirements and tissue conditions. This dynamic control enables effective deep tissue compression without being constrained by the fixed limits of suction pressure, thereby preventing skin lesions while treating deep layers.
2Force
If higher vacuum pressure is applied to increase compression effect, then deep layers can be treated, but the risk of skin lesions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the treatment function into two independent components: suction for skin contact and actuator-driven compression for deep tissue treatment. This segmentation allows each component to operate at optimal levels without compromising the other. The actuator applies compression force independently of suction pressure, enabling effective deep tissue treatment without increasing vacuum pressure to dangerous levels that would cause skin lesions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates mechanical force into localized compression on deep tissues. Rather than relying directly on vacuum pressure to compress deep layers, the actuator mediates the compression force through support elements that contact the sucked-in skin. This intermediary approach allows effective deep tissue treatment while maintaining safe suction pressure levels that prevent skin lesions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is designed with simple construction using only suction chambers and separating bars, then manufacturing is easier, but the compression force is insufficient to act on deep layers of the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both compression and positioning functions. The support elements of the actuator not only apply compression force but also maintain contact with the skin during suction. This universal design allows the device to achieve deep tissue treatment capability without adding excessive complexity, as the actuator integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism.
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
This combination enables effective treatment of deep tissues without causing pain, improving blood circulation, reducing 'orange peel' effects, and providing relief for myalgia by stimulating underlying muscle tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow body (10) delimiting an internal volume (5) by a side wall (3) and a connection wall (4), said side wall (3) extending between the connection wall (4) and a peripheral edge (2) intended to be pressed against an area of the skin of the subject to be treated, said internal volume (5) being connected to a suction system to constitute, by pressing the peripheral edge (2) on the skin, at least one chamber of suction capable of being placed under depression relative to the environment of the device
Data Source
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AI summary
Massage appliance comprising a hollow body (10) delimiting an internal volume connected (7) to a suction source so as to form a suction chamber by bearing with its edge (2) on the skin, said hollow body (10) enclosing at least one internal bearing element able to act by compression on the skin, when the internal volume is at an underpressure; it has an actuator (11) for exerting on the skin, by way of at least one internal bearing element, a force F applied to said element(s) in a continuous manner, at least one of the internal bearing elements thus acting on the skin with a localized continuous compression.