Foldable Massage Table With Flexible Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massage practitioners using foot-based techniques face challenges with balance and fatigue due to the need for structural support, often relying on bulky apparatuses or overhead systems that are not portable or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A foldable massage table with a flexible member attached to assist in balance and force delivery, allowing practitioners to administer massages using their feet while minimizing the need for bulky support systems, with the flexible member extending from the table to support the practitioner's body weight and provide additional force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If overhead bars or bulky apparatus are used to provide structural support for balance, then practitioner stability is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support function from complex overhead bar systems and bulky apparatus, isolating only the necessary elements (flexible member attached to table) to provide balance support, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining practitioner stability
Solution Approach 2:
The massage table is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the massage surface for the patient, supports the practitioner's body weight, and enables foot-based massage techniques, eliminating the need for separate support apparatus
2Stability of the object's composition
If overhead bars or bulky apparatus are used to provide structural support for balance, then practitioner stability is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary overhead structures and bulky support apparatus, keeping only the essential flexible member integrated with the table, thereby maintaining stability while significantly improving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is merged with the massage table itself through the flexible member integration, creating a unified portable system that provides both massage surface and practitioner support without requiring separate bulky apparatus
3Duration of action of moving object
If flexible member is used to assist with balance and force delivery, then practitioner fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is designed to automatically provide balance support and force delivery assistance through its elastic properties, requiring no active control or complex mechanisms from the practitioner, thereby reducing fatigue while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member utilizes elastic parameter changes (stretching and recoiling) to provide dynamic support that adapts to the practitioner's movements and body weight, enhancing endurance without requiring complex active control systems
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
Enhances balance and reduces fatigue for massage practitioners, allowing for effective foot-based massages without the need for bulky equipment, while maintaining portability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
At least two portions of a flexible member are secured to opposite sides of the foldable massage table. The massage practitioner stands on the foldable massage table and utilizes the flexible member to assist with delivery of force to a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method of administering a massage that comprises providing a foldable massage table having a first half and a second half and assembling the foldable massage table. The first half of the foldable massage table is locked to the second half of the foldable massage table in an assembled position. At least two portions of a flexible member are secured to opposite sides of the foldable massage table. The massage practitioner stands on the foldable massage table and utilizes the flexible member to assist with delivery of force to a patient lying on the foldable massage table. A foot of the massage practitioner is used to massage the patient.