Multi-direction Massage Chair with Adaptive Positioning and Safety Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional massage chairs are limited to plane massaging, fail to accommodate users of different body sizes, and can cause injury if not used with proper care, as they lack multi-directional capabilities and adaptive features.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional massage chair with seat positioning along the x-axis, sensors for position detection, and massaging devices for neck, shoulders, arms, back, and legs that move along the y-axis, along with a vibrational seat and adjustable armrests, incorporating infrared temperature sensors for temperature control and adjustable components for user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional massage chairs use fixed single-plane massaging mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different body sizes and massage needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The massage chair employs multiple movable components including a seat positioning device that moves along the x-axis, massaging devices that move along the y-axis, and adjustable armrests that pivot. These dynamic elements enable the system to adapt to different body sizes and contours, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by implementing controlled mobility rather than fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The massage chair divides the massaging function into multiple independent devices: neck massaging device, shoulder massaging device, arm massaging device, back massaging device, and leg massaging device. Each device can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing the system to accommodate different body types while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional massage chairs use single kind of massaging device, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility of massage techniques deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each massaging device in the system is designed to perform multiple massage techniques including rubbing, kneading, and punching. The roller members can execute different motion patterns and the massaging devices can be positioned at various locations, enabling a single device to provide diverse massage techniques rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each technique
3Reliability
If conventional massage chairs lack position sensing and limit mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors including seat sensors that detect user presence and position, height limit sensors that monitor the position of massaging devices, and limit members that deactivate positioning devices when predetermined positions are reached. These feedback mechanisms provide real-time monitoring and automatic safety interventions, resolving the contradiction between safety and device complexity through intelligent control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The limit members are pre-configured to deactivate the seat positioning device and massaging devices before they can reach positions that might cause harm. This preliminary safety mechanism prevents potential injuries by establishing hard limits on movement ranges, addressing the safety concern without requiring complex real-time control algorithms
4Reliability
If conventional massage chairs lack temperature sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but user comfort and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Infrared temperature sensors are integrated into the system to detect the temperature of the user's body. This feedback mechanism allows the massage chair to monitor thermal conditions and adjust its operation accordingly, providing an additional layer of safety and comfort while maintaining manageable device complexity through non-contact sensing technology
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 safe and customizable massage experiences for users of varying sizes by ensuring proper alignment and pressure distribution, providing a range of massage techniques including rubbing, kneading, and vibration, while preventing injury through automated adjustments and temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a leg positioning device of a leg massaging device is inflated until two leg sensors contact and sense the user
Implementation Method 2
first, second, third, and fourth infrared temperature sensors configured to sense temperatures of the arms, the neck, the back, and the legs of the user respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-direction operable massage chair includes a seat positioning device; a seat sensor of a limit member; a neck massaging device; a shoulder massaging device, and an arm massaging device together configured to move along a main rail in the y-axis direction; a back massaging device; a leg positioning device; a vibrational massaging seat including an adjustment member and two adjustment cylinders; a plurality of roller members configured to roll in different directions; first, second, third, and fourth infrared temperature sensors configured to sense temperatures of the arms, the neck, the back, and the legs of the user respectively; a board adjustment member of the leg massaging device configured to extend or retract; a board of the leg massaging device configured to rotate; and a pivotal armrest link.