Massage Ball Lift Mechanism Using Rack-and-Guide Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing massage ball mechanisms in hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatuses suffer from instability and damage due to concentrated loads on hinge shafts during vertical movement, leading to deformation and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A massage ball vertically-moving mechanism featuring a rack gear with a movable wheel and guide protrusion, guided by a guide wheel and vertical-movement guide, distributing loads to prevent damage and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the massage ball vertically pivots around a hinge shaft, then the vertical movement can be achieved, but the load is concentrated on the hinge shaft causing damage and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical movementVSAvoidhinge shaft durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism divides the load-bearing function into multiple components: the guide rail system, the rack gear, and the movable wheel. Instead of relying on a single hinge shaft, the load is segmented and distributed across these components, preventing concentration of stress on one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack gear acts as an intermediary between the driving gear and the massage ball support. It translates rotational motion into linear vertical movement while distributing the load across its teeth, preventing direct stress concentration on the hinge shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 3:

The patent replaces the traditional hinge shaft pivot mechanism with a gear-rack system. This substitution transforms the mechanical pivot into a gear-driven linear movement system, eliminating the concentrated load issue inherent in hinge shaft pivots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a rack gear with movable wheel is used instead of hinge shaft pivot, then load distribution improves stability, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical movement stabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack gear is integrally formed with the ball support, merging two components into one. This integration simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate connection elements while maintaining the load distribution benefits of the rack-gear system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail serves multiple functions: it guides the vertical movement of the massage ball support, provides structural support, and works in conjunction with the movable wheel to ensure stable operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 mechanism ensures stable vertical movement of the massage ball, improving efficiency by distributing loads and preventing failure, thus enhancing the massage experience.

Implementation Method 1

a rack gear meshing with the driving gear is integrally formed with the ball support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear meshing mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a movable wheel is installed at the rack gear, wherein a curved wheel guide groove for guiding the movable wheel during the vertical movement of the ball support is defined in the vertical-movement guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Roller

Implementation Method 3

a guide wheel is installed on one side of the vertical-movement guide so as to guide a vertical movement of the rack gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance: Guided Rotor Compressor

Data Source

PatentEP4434509B1Massage ball vertically-moving mechanism for hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SUNGWOO MEDITECH CO LTD
  • EP4434509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4434509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4434509B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a massage ball vertically-moving mechanism for a hyperthermo-therapeutic apparatus. The mechanism includes a hyperthermo-therapeutic massage ball; a ball support, and configured to support the hyperthermo-therapeutic massage ball and configured to vertically move; and a driving gear installed at the movable frame and configured to vertically move the ball support, wherein a rack gear meshing with the driving gear is integrally formed with the ball support, wherein a movable wheel is installed at the rack gear, wherein a vertical-movement guide is fixedly installed at the movable frame, wherein a curved wheel guide groove for guiding the movable wheel during the vertical movement of the ball support is defined in the vertical-movement guide, wherein a guide wheel is installed on one side of the vertical-movement guide so as to guide a vertical movement of the rack gear.