Segmented Backrest Pad with Integrated Heater for Massage Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chair-type massage machines often cause discomfort due to the kneading action of the backrest cushion, which can be exacerbated by the presence of a heater that may not be adjustable or comfortable for users with different preferences.
Innovation Solution
A chair-type massage machine with a backrest portion that can recline and include a detachable back pad with integrated heaters, allowing for adjustable placement of heat sources and cushioning to accommodate user preferences, including the ability to separate and reposition pad sections for enhanced comfort and massage effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a backrest cushion with kneading balls is provided, then massage function is improved, but user comfort deteriorates because the kneading balls come into contact with the user's back immediately when sitting
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest cushion is divided into a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion. The first cushion portion contains the kneading balls for massage function, while the second cushion portion provides smooth support. This segmentation allows the massage function to be provided only where needed while maintaining comfort in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the backrest cushion have different qualities: the first cushion portion has kneading balls for localized massage action, while the second cushion portion has a smooth surface for general comfort. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing massage only where required rather than uniformly across the entire backrest.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heater is integrated into the backrest cushion, then warmth and comfort are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is integrated directly into the backrest cushion structure, merging the heating function with the existing cushion. This eliminates the need for separate heating devices and reduces overall system complexity while still providing the warmth benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest cushion is designed to serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support, delivering massage through kneading balls, and providing thermal comfort through the integrated heater. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the backrest cushion is made thick for comfort, then user comfort is improved, but massage effectiveness deteriorates because the kneading balls cannot effectively contact the user's back
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest cushion is segmented into two portions with different thicknesses and functions. The first cushion portion is thinner to allow effective contact between kneading balls and the user's back, while the second cushion portion is thicker to provide comfort support. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between thickness for comfort and thinness for massage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local areas of the backrest cushion have different thicknesses: the first cushion portion is thinner where massage effectiveness is needed, while the second cushion portion is thicker where comfort support is prioritized. This local quality variation allows both comfort and massage effectiveness to be optimized in their respective areas.
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 solution provides improved comfort and massage effectiveness by allowing users to customize the placement of heat and cushioning, reducing discomfort and enhancing the massage experience by thinning the back pad and heater sheet, while enabling users to place heat where desired, thus increasing user satisfaction and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heater disposed independently from a base portion which is a lower part of the seat portion through a cable
Data Source
AI summary
A chair-type massage machine 100 has: a backrest portion 300 being capable of standing on a seat portion 200 and reclining against the seat portion 200; and at least one heater 850 disposed independently from a base portion 400 which is a lower part of the seat portion 200 through a cable 851.