Massage Apparatus With Independent Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional massage apparatuses only provide basic massaging functions and do not effectively treat or prevent diseases or conditions, lacking the ability to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field that could enhance therapeutic effects.

Innovation Solution

A massage apparatus incorporating a movable mount frame with acupressure modules and independently positioned pulsed electromagnetic field generators, controlled by a controller to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field of specific frequencies and intensities, which can be synchronized with the massaging operation to enhance therapeutic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional massage unit is used that only performs mechanical massaging, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the therapeutic effect is limited and cannot treat or prevent diseases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a pulsed electromagnetic field generator with a conventional massage unit, merging two distinct therapeutic mechanisms (mechanical massage and electromagnetic field therapy) into a single integrated apparatus. This allows the device to provide both mechanical massaging and electromagnetic field effects simultaneously, enhancing therapeutic versatility without requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The massage unit is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical massaging through acupressure modules and electromagnetic field therapy through the pulsed electromagnetic field generator. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address various health needs including fatigue relief, pain management, and disease prevention, expanding the adaptability of the apparatus

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pulsed electromagnetic field generator is added to the massage apparatus, then the therapeutic benefits are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic benefitsVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pulsed electromagnetic field generator is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled with the massage unit. This segmentation allows for specialized production of each component by different manufacturers, potentially reducing overall manufacturing costs and simplifying the supply chain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves as an intermediary component that manages both the acupressure modules and the pulsed electromagnetic field generator. By using a centralized control system, the patent avoids the need for separate control circuits for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the pulsed electromagnetic field generator is integrated with the acupressure module, then the components share space efficiently, but the replacement and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcomponent replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: the acupressure module with its mount frame and protruding modules, and the pulsed electromagnetic field generator as a separate component. This segmentation allows each module to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without affecting the other components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pulsed electromagnetic field generator is positioned within the overall structure of the massage apparatus in a nested arrangement, where it occupies available space without being physically integrated with the acupressure modules. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization while maintaining component independence for ease of maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integration of a pulsed electromagnetic field generator within the massage apparatus increases the therapeutic benefits by activating cells, healing damaged tissues, and alleviating fatigue, offering broader treatment effects beyond traditional massaging, while allowing for cost-effective management and replacement of components.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed electromagnetic field generator provided on the mount frame independently of the acupressure module and configured to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of power applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsed electromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11564862B2Massage apparatus providing pulsed electromagnetic field
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BODYFRIEND CO LTD
  • US11564862B2 patent drawing
  • US11564862B2 patent drawing
  • US11564862B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A massage apparatus providing a pulsed electromagnetic field may comprise: a massage unit which comprises a mount frame provided so as to be movable along the body of a user, and an acupressure module protrudingly provided to the mount frame so as to apply pressure to the body of the user; a pulsed electromagnetic field generator which is provided to the mount frame so as to be independent from the acupressure module, and which generates a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of power applied thereto; and a controller which controls the operation of the acupressure module or the generation of the pulsed electromagnetic field. According to such massage apparatus, a pulsed electromagnetic field may be generated by having the pulsed electromagnetic field generator be provided to the massage unit so as to be separate from the acupressure module or air cells performing a massaging operation. In addition, an effect such as body tissue cell activation or damaged cell healing of the pulsed electromagnetic field may be provided when the massaging operation is being performed. Thus, compared to when only a pulsed electromagnetic field is provided without a massaging operation, or when only a continuous electromagnetic field is provided, fatigue of a user may be alleviated, or a disease or illness treatment or prevention effect may be doubled. In addition, since the pulsed electromagnetic field generator is arranged so as to be independent from the acupres sure module or air cells, the range of effects of the electromagnetic field may be expanded so as to include providing a pulsed electromagnetic field to even nearby sites to which pressure is not applied by the acupressure module or air cells, and since the pulsed electromagnetic field generator may be independently detached or replaced, costs for managing the massage apparatus may be reduced.