Adjustable Peanut Massage Tool Axle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peanut massage tools lack a secure and effective mechanism for adjustable positioning of the massage lobes to accommodate varying vertebrae widths, resulting in cumbersome and ineffective adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A massage tool comprising two elastic massage balls with center bores and a rigid axle featuring annular center and end stops, along with adjustment ridges, allowing for secure and adjustable positioning of the massage balls along the axle, reducing part count and enhancing durability while simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to accommodate varying vertebrae widths, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning notches and corresponding protrusions on the massage lobes. This allows the lobes to be positioned at multiple fixed intervals along the axle, providing adaptability for different vertebrae widths while keeping the mechanism simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The massage lobes are designed with movable positioning capability along the rigid axle, transitioning from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. The lobes can be adjusted to different positions and locked in place using the notch-protrusion interface, enabling the device to adapt to various user anatomies while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If secure adjustment mechanism is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system uses a self-locking mechanism where the protrusions on the massage lobes automatically engage with the corresponding notches on the axle when the lobes are moved to desired positions. This eliminates the need for additional locking components or complex fastening mechanisms, achieving reliable positioning through the inherent geometry of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment and positioning functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The notches and protrusions serve dual purposes: they guide the lobe movement along the axle and simultaneously provide secure locking when engaged. This consolidation achieves reliable positioning without adding separate adjustment and locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment components are added, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment capability is achieved through segmented notches and protrusions that can be integrated into the existing mold designs for the axle and massage lobes. This approach allows for multiple positioning options without requiring separate components for each adjustment level, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The notch-protrusion mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides adjustment capability, positioning guidance, and secure locking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment screws, clips, or other fastening components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 enables secure, adjustable positioning of the massage balls, providing optimal muscle massage by accommodating different vertebrae widths, improving user experience and tool durability while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic massage balls, wherein each of the two elastic massage balls may include a center bore
Data Source
AI summary
A massage tool can include an axle including a root outer diameter, a center stop protrusion, end stop protrusions located at opposing ends of the axle, and at least one set of positioning protrusions located between the center stop protrusion and at least one of the end stop protrusions. An inner positioning protrusion of the at least one set of positioning protrusions is located axially closer to the center stop protrusion than an outer positioning protrusion of the at least one set of positioning protrusions. The outer and inner positioning protrusions each protrude from the root outer diameter of the axle a distance that is less than a distance that the center stop protrusion and the end stop protrusions protrude from the root outer diameter of the axle. Two massage elements each contain a center bore having a bore diameter substantially equal to the root outer diameter of the axle. A length of the center bore of each massage ball is substantially equal to an axial distance between the center stop protrusion and the outer positioning protrusion, and substantially equal to an axial distance between the inner positioning protrusion and a nearest one of the end stop protrusions.