Massage Table Height Adjustment Scissor Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional massage tables lack efficient and easy height adjustment mechanisms, which limits user comfort and accessibility, especially for individuals who require different massage heights during treatments.
Innovation Solution
A massage device with a leg assembly and adjuster assembly that allows the table top to be adjusted between upper and lower positions using a piston-like actuator, enabling quick, quiet, and stable height changes while maintaining the table top parallel to the surface, supported by a leg attacher and sliders for precise movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional massage tables use fixed height design, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic height adjustment mechanism that allows the massage table to transition between fixed and adjustable height states. The scissor-like leg assembly with pivot points enables the table top to be raised or lowered to different positions while maintaining structural stability, thus providing adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjuster assembly positioned between the table top and the leg assembly. This adjuster acts as a mediator that controls the height adjustment mechanism, allowing easy height changes through a simple actuating mechanism while the complex structural adjustments are handled automatically by the linkage system
2Strength
If massage tables use heavy duty construction for strength and stability, then structural integrity is improved, but portability and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining rigid materials for the table top and leg assemblies to ensure strength and stability, while using lighter materials for moving components and the adjuster mechanism. This composite approach allows the table to maintain structural integrity when loaded while reducing the weight of parts that need to be moved or adjusted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic leg assembly with pivot points and linkages that provides mechanical advantage. The scissor-like structure multiplies the force applied by the adjuster, allowing a relatively light adjuster mechanism to lift and position a much heavier table top, thus achieving high strength capability without proportionally increasing the weight of the adjustment mechanism
3Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment speed and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjuster assembly that acts as a mechanical amplifier between the user's input and the table top movement. This adjuster assembly includes linkages and pivot points that convert a small manual input motion into a large vertical displacement of the table top, making adjustment easy while containing the complexity within a dedicated module
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adjuster assembly with moving linkages that provides mechanical advantage throughout the adjustment range. The scissor-like leg assembly with pivot points creates force multiplication, allowing quick height changes with minimal effort from the user, thus improving ease of operation without requiring excessive mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A massage device (10) includes a table top assembly (12) that supports a user above a surface (18). The massage device (10) comprises a leg assembly (14) and an adjuster assembly (16). The leg assembly (14) extends between the table top assembly (12) and the surface (18). Additionally, the leg assembly (14) includes a first leg (24), a second leg (26), and a leg attacher (28) that pivotally secures the first leg (24) to the second leg (26). The adjuster assembly (16) adjusts the position of the table top assembly (12) relative to the surface (18) between a lower position and an upper position. The adjuster assembly (16) includes an adjuster (44) that acts primarily in push mode to pivot the second leg (26) relative to the first leg (24) so that the table top assembly (12) moves between the lower position and the upper position.