Massage Device With Adjustable Threaded Rods and Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices lack adjustable biasing force and spacing between massaging elements, making it difficult to accommodate extremities with different diameters and apply appropriate pressure to specific areas, leading to ineffective self-treatment of arm and leg issues like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A massage device with a frame, parallel threaded rods, cross struts, and adjustable massage elements, featuring adjusting screws and springs that allow for customizable spacing and pressure adjustment, enabling easy use on various body parts and accommodating different diameters and massage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the preload and spacing between opposing massage elements are fixed in prior art devices, then the device structure is simple, but it is difficult to adjust the roller pressure to accommodate extremities of different diameters or to apply light pressure to painful areas while providing stronger pressure against well-conditioned areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable preload and spacing mechanisms that allow the massage elements to be dynamically repositioned. The crossbars can be moved along the threaded rods to different positions, and the springs can be pre-loaded with varying forces, enabling the device to adapt to different extremity diameters and pressure requirements without requiring a completely different device structure for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of preload force and spacing between massage elements through adjustable mechanisms. The threaded rods with crossbars allow continuous adjustment of spacing, while the spring mechanisms enable variation in preload force. This allows the same basic device structure to accommodate multiple applications by changing these parameters rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If the spacing between massage elements is changed by loosening, removing, and reinserting roller and tension spring assemblies in prior art devices, then the massage elements can be repositioned, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment system where crossbars can be slid along threaded rods to reposition massage elements without removal. The threaded mechanism allows continuous adjustment while maintaining connection, eliminating the need to loosen and reinsert assemblies. This dynamic repositioning capability significantly reduces adjustment time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical assembly/disassembly mechanism with a threaded rod and crossbar sliding mechanism. Instead of loosening and reinserting spring assemblies, the user can simply slide the crossbars along the threaded rods to the desired positions. This substitution of mechanical systems dramatically simplifies the adjustment process and reduces time loss.
3Force
If massage aids are moved over the area to be treated with your own hand, then the device is simple, but the required pressure cannot be applied by the patient or not for as long as required for successful treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring mechanisms as counterweights to assist the patient in applying pressure. The springs are pre-loaded with appropriate forces that complement the patient's effort, reducing the total user effort required while maintaining effective pressure. The springs essentially counterbalance part of the weight that the patient would otherwise need to apply manually, making the device more usable for patients with limited strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the springs automatically provide the necessary preload force without requiring the patient to manually adjust or apply excessive pressure. The spring-loaded system self-regulates to provide appropriate pressure for the massage treatment, reducing the burden on the patient and enabling longer treatment durations without excessive effort.
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 device provides a versatile and adjustable solution for self-massage, allowing for tailored pressure application to specific areas, improving treatment efficacy for conditions such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome by enabling precise adjustment of massage elements and comfortable use without requiring excessive user effort.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring (8) is provided on each threaded rod (3) between the adjusting screw (7) of a cross strut (4). At least one cross strut (4) can be moved along the threaded rod (3). The cross struts (4), against which springs (8) rest, can thus be moved against the spring pressure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a massage device for treating human limbs, in particular for treating arms and legs, which device can be variably configured by simple device features and used directly by the user. The massage device (1) substantially comprises a frame (2), two threaded rods (3), and two transverse struts (4) having one or more massage elements (5), wherein at least one adjusting screw (7) is provided on each of the threaded rods (3) between the frame (2) and the transverse strut (4) and at least one spring (8) is provided on each of the threaded rods (3) between the adjusting screw (7) and a transverse strut (4). The struts (4) are movable along the threaded rods (3) via holders (6). Spacers (9) are preferably provided between the struts (4), and the threaded rods (3) can be detached from the frame (2) via fastening systems (15).