Massage Element Control via Reverse Phase Motors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing massage machines lack the ability to provide a compact and versatile massage experience with varied pressure and movement patterns, limiting their ability to mimic the natural pressing and rubbing actions of human fingers.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a massage machine that includes a kneading motor for eccentric and pivotal movement, a width adjustment motor, a strength-and-weakness motor, and an up-and-down motor, which operate in reverse phases to each other to create a narrower locus of movement, allowing for pressing and rubbing kneading actions, and a massage element design featuring rod-like members approximated to the size and shape of human fingers for enhanced versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of massage element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the massage versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemassage versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The massage machine is designed to accommodate multiple types of massage elements (spherical, rod-like, curved) through a universal mounting interface. The element selection mechanism allows users to switch between different element types, enabling the device to perform various massage functions (kneading, rolling, pressing) with a single machine structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The massage element system is segmented into interchangeable components. Different massage elements can be attached and detached independently, allowing users to select the appropriate element type for specific massage needs without changing the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple motors control massage element movement, then the massage precision is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemassage precisionVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple motors (kneading motor, width adjustment motor, strength-and-weakness motor, up-and-down motor) are integrated into a coordinated control system. The control unit synchronizes these motors to work together, with some motors operating in reverse phases, to achieve precise control of massage element movements in multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system employs reverse phase operation for certain motor pairs. The width adjustment motor and strength-and-weakness motor operate in reverse phases to each other, creating balanced and precise movement control while reducing overall system complexity through counterbalancing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Force

If the massage element movement locus is wide, then the coverage area is large, but the pressing intensity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing intensityVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The massage element movement system is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The control unit can modify the movement locus size and pressing intensity in real-time based on selected massage programs and user preferences, allowing the system to transition between wide coverage gentle massage and focused intense pressing as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including motor speeds, amplitudes, and coordination patterns to adjust the movement locus and pressing intensity. By varying these parameters, the machine can achieve both wide coverage and high pressing intensity depending on the selected massage mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the massage machine to provide a more effective and varied pressing and rubbing kneading experience by creating a narrower locus of movement and allowing for the selection between different types of massage elements, such as rod-like and spherical shapes, to cater to individual preferences.

Implementation Method 1

a kneading motor for eccentrically and pivotally moving a pair of massage elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric movement: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS11278466B2Control method for massage machine and massage element of massage machine

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 FUJI MEDICAL INSTR MFG

AI summary

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a massage machine and a massage element of a massage machine which can provide pressing and rubbing kneading to a person to be treated. A control method for a massage machine contains a controlling process for individually controlling operations of a kneading motor 331 for operating a pair of massage elements 321, 322, width adjustment motors 341, 342 for adjusting a width between the pair of massage elements 321, 322, a strength-and-weakness motor 351 for adjusting strength of the pair of massage elements 321, 322 and an up-and-down motor 361 for adjusting movement of the pair of massage elements 321, 322 in an up-and-down direction.