Massage Table Conveyor Force Transfer for Effortless Patient Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The massage service industry faces challenges in easily rotating patients during the transitional phase of massage sessions, requiring physical manipulation of the patient's body position which can be difficult for both therapists and patients.

Innovation Solution

A force transfer apparatus comprising a height adjustable table, a height adjustable conveyor lift, and an accessory roller, where the conveyor sheet underneath the patient is secured to the conveyor lift and pulled out as the table is lowered, facilitating the rotation of the patient's body with minimal effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual physical manipulation is used to rotate the patient's body position, then the therapist can reposition the patient, but it creates physical strain and difficulty for both the therapist and patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of patient repositioningVSAvoidphysical strain on therapist and patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conveyor belt system as an intermediary mechanism between the therapist and the patient. The conveyor belt receives force input (either manual or automated) and translates it into smooth rotational movement of the patient's body on the table, eliminating the need for direct physical manipulation by the therapist and reducing strain on both parties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of direct physical manipulation with an automated mechanical system. The conveyor belt mechanism, potentially powered by a motor or automated actuator, substitutes for the therapist's physical effort, converting rotational force into controlled patient repositioning without requiring the therapist to physically lift or rotate the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the patient remains stationary on the table during transitional phase, then the massage treatment can be maintained, but the therapist must exert significant physical effort to reposition the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of patient positionVSAvoidphysical effort required for repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt acts as a mediator that decouples the patient's stability from the repositioning action. The patient remains stable on the table surface while the conveyor belt system below transmits rotational force, allowing repositioning to occur without compromising patient stability or requiring excessive therapist effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides counterbalancing support during patient repositioning. The conveyor belt mechanism distributes and manages the forces involved in rotation, effectively counteracting the weight and inertia of the patient's body to enable smooth repositioning with minimal therapist effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Productivity

If traditional massage tables are used without force transfer mechanisms, then the table structure remains simple, but patient rotation during transitional phase is difficult and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of massage therapistVSAvoidcomplexity of table structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the massage table system into distinct functional components: the table surface for patient support, the conveyor belt system for force transfer, and the actuation mechanism for rotation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall efficiency while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables patient rotation during transitional phases, maintains patient stability during treatment, and can potentially accommodate various repositioning scenarios. This multi-functionality improves therapist productivity across different massage scenarios while justifying the added structural complexity through versatile capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250031841A1Method of force transfer for a massage and therapeutic bodywork table

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 WAMPLER DANIEL

AI summary

A method of force transfer for massage and bodywork tables. In one preferred embodiment the force transfer method includes a height adjustable table, a height adjustable conveyor lift, and an accessory roller. The accessory roller is used to transfer the angle of the sheet upon the height adjustable table to accommodate the rotation of the patient's body. With this novel invention, physical manipulation of the patient's body position in relation to the table is achieved with little to no effort by the patient or the massage therapist. This allows for the patient to remain relaxed during the transitional phase of the massage session.