Massage Bead Extension Twisting Spring Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices with rotating mechanisms, such as massage shoes, have limited horizontal rotation angles, leading to poor massage effectiveness, weak elasticity, and structural instability, which restrict their ability to provide foot massage during walking.
Innovation Solution
The use of extension twisting spring assemblies (ETSAs) with twisting springs and extension springs, arranged in a tilted manner, to generate rotational pushing forces and store deformation energy, allowing for larger rotation angles and improved massage efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding groove mechanism is used to enable rotation, then the massage body can rotate horizontally, but the rotation angle is limited to about 10 degrees due to the diameter constraint of the button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static sliding groove mechanism to a dynamic spring-based mechanism. The massage body is connected to the base through a twisting spring that allows dynamic rotation. When force is applied, the spring twists and enables the massage body to rotate horizontally by a larger angle (45-90 degrees) compared to the fixed sliding groove mechanism, while maintaining structural stability through the spring's elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from a fixed geometric constraint (sliding groove angle) to a flexible elastic parameter (spring twist angle). The twisting spring's rotational stiffness and maximum twist angle can be adjusted by changing spring parameters such as wire diameter, coil diameter, and number of active coils, thereby controlling the rotation angle to be between 45-90 degrees based on user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sliding groove angle is increased to achieve larger rotation, then the rotation angle improves, but structural stability deteriorates due to stagnation and poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based mechanism provides dynamic stability through elastic deformation. The twisting spring can accommodate large rotation angles (45-90 degrees) while maintaining structural integrity, unlike the rigid sliding groove that becomes unstable at large angles. The spring's elastic properties allow it to return to its original position after deformation, ensuring repeated use without structural degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisting spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the forces applied during rotation. This prevents sudden stress concentrations that would cause structural failure, allowing the system to handle large rotation angles safely while maintaining stability throughout the rotation range.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding groove mechanism is used, then rotation is achieved, but frictional force is large causing wear and degradation of the rotation function over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sliding groove mechanical guidance system with a spring-based elastic system. Instead of relying on friction-based sliding contact between the projection and groove, the rotation is achieved through the twisting spring's elastic deformation. This eliminates the high friction and wear problems of the sliding mechanism, as springs experience distributed stress along their coils rather than concentrated contact stress.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from a contact-based rotation mechanism to a spring-based mechanism, the patent fundamentally changes the stress distribution parameters. The twisting spring distributes forces throughout its structure, preventing localized wear and degradation, thereby significantly improving the durability and reliability of the rotation function over time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the button diameter is increased to allow larger rotation angle, then the rotation angle improves, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based mechanism enables large rotation angles without increasing the overall device size. The twisting spring can be designed with appropriate wire diameter, coil diameter, and number of turns to achieve the desired rotation angle (45-90 degrees) while maintaining a compact structure suitable for integration into shoe insoles and other portable applications.
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 ETSAs enable a larger rotation angle, enhanced massage effect, and improved structural stability, allowing for effective foot massage during walking while adapting to user weight and foot sole variations, providing a comfortable and personalized experience.
Implementation Method 1
each set of the ETSAs includes a twisting spring and an extension spring; when the massage body is under pressure, the ETSA is compressed and twisted to generate a rotational pushing force
Implementation Method 2
deformation energy is stored when the ETSA is compressed and twisted
Data Source
AI summary
A massage bead includes a massage body and at least two sets of extension twisting spring assemblies (ETSAs) arranged below the massage body, each set of ETSAs including a twisting spring and an extension spring. An upper extension twisting arm of the extension spring is connected with the massage body. A lower extension twisting arm of the extension spring is connected with one upper of the twisting spring. The upper extension twisting arm and the extension spring that are arranged in a counterclockwise direction simultaneously relative to the massage body. When the massage body is under pressure, the ETSA is compressed and twisted to generate a rotational pushing force together for pushing the massage body to rotate in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction, and the pressure disappears so that the massage body and the ETSAs resets automatically when the energy is released.