Massage Module Heating Function Structural Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing massage modules with heating functions face structural complexity and durability issues due to inadequate arrangement of heat generation and transfer components, compromising their performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A massage module design featuring a thermally conductive support shaft member, a heating member, a cushion member, and reinforcing washers to apply pressure and heat, along with a heat transfer cover, which ensures efficient heat distribution and maintains the cushion member's shape during massage actions, using a thermally conductive material and a bimetal temperature control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If components for heat generation and heat transfer are additionally installed in the massage module, then the heating function is provided, but the overall structure becomes complicated and durability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidoverall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support shaft member is made of thermally conductive material and serves dual functions: providing mechanical support for the cushion member and acting as a heat transfer component. The heating member is integrated into the support shaft member, combining heating and structural support functions into a single component assembly, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the heating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support shaft member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the cushion member, transfers heat from the heating member to the cushion member and user's body, and maintains structural integrity during massage operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If components for heat generation and heat transfer are additionally installed in the massage module, then the heating function is provided, but the durability of various components is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoiddurability of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the heating member into the support shaft member assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that could fail independently. The combined structure allows for better thermal management and reduced stress concentration at component interfaces, thereby improving overall durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support shaft member is made of thermally conductive material, creating a composite structure that combines mechanical strength with thermal conductivity. This material selection improves both the structural integrity and heat transfer efficiency, reducing thermal stress on components and enhancing durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the cushion member is rotatably mounted on the support shaft member to apply pressure, then the massage function is improved, but the cushion member is susceptible to torsion stress and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemassage functionVSAvoidcushion member shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing washer acts as an intermediary component between the cushion member and the support shaft member. It provides a stable mounting interface that resists torsion stress while allowing the cushion member to rotate freely for massage operations, thereby maintaining cushion member shape integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing washer is pre-installed on the support shaft member to provide structural reinforcement before the cushion member is mounted. This preemptive reinforcement prevents torsion stress-induced deformation during subsequent massage operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively transfers heat to the user's body while preventing deformation and damage to the cushion member, enhancing both the massage and heating functions' durability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a heating member for transferring heat to the support shaft member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a support shaft member made of a thermally conductive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230310258A1Massage module having heating function
Publication Date: 2023.10.05 BODYFRIEND CO LTD
  • US20230310258A1 patent drawing
  • US20230310258A1 patent drawing
  • US20230310258A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a massage module having a heating function to transfer heat to the human body through massage performed by applying vibrations or pressure to a body part of a user. The massage module includes a massage unit which applies pressure and heat to the body of the user, the massage unit including: a support shaft member which is fixedly installed on a unit bracket and includes a heat conductive material; a heat generation member for transferring heat to the support shaft member; a cushion member which has an opening formed in the center thereof such that the support shaft member is inserted in the opening, is rotatably installed on the outer surface of the support shaft member, and applies pressure to the body of the user; an insert member which is inserted in the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the cushion member, has a ring shape, and is formed of a heat conductive metal material; and a reinforcing washer which is formed in a ring shape, is inserted in the support shaft member, and is in close contact with one side surface or both side surfaces of the cushion member in the axial direction. so as to resist a torsion stress applied to the cushion member.