Massage Tool With Adjustable Strap And Handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing massage tools are difficult to manipulate, uncomfortable to hold, and ineffective in applying pinpoint pressure to specific muscle areas without tensing the user's muscles, making it hard to effectively massage trigger points.

Innovation Solution

A device with a handle, body, and adjustable strap mechanism that allows users to encircle their body part, tighten the strap, and move the handle to apply force selectively, enabling precise massage with minimal effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user applies pressure to their own soft tissue manually, then the user can massage their own body, but the user must tense their muscles making it difficult to apply pressure to trigger points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of self-massageVSAvoidpressure application capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The massage device acts as an intermediary between the user and their own body tissue. The device includes a body portion with a surface for contacting the body and a handle that the user manipulates, allowing the user to apply pressure to trigger points without directly tensing their own muscles. The device transfers and amplifies the user's input force into effective massage pressure on the target area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If previous massage tools are used, then massage can be performed, but the tools are awkward to hold and difficult to manipulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemassage functionalityVSAvoidmanipulability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a flexible strap that can be adjusted in length and positioned around different body parts. This dynamic element allows the device to adapt to various massage locations and user sizes, while the handle provides a stable grip for easy manipulation. The combination of flexible and rigid elements creates a tool that is both versatile and easy to control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If previous massage tools are used, then massage can be performed, but they do not allow selective application of forces to specific parts of the body with minimal effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted pressure applicationVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device adds the dimension of mechanical advantage by incorporating a lever arm in the handle. When the user moves the handle, the body portion rotates around the contact point with the strap, concentrating force at the massage surface. This dimensional transformation allows minimal user effort to generate significant localized pressure on specific trigger points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10342727B2Method of massaging using a massage tool

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 THORN JONATHAN

AI summary

A method of massaging allows a user to use a massage tool to selectively apply pressure to an arm or leg. The massage tool includes a body having a curved surface, a strap and a handle. In the method, the strap is placed around the arm or leg, the strap is tightened, and a handle attached to the tool is moved. As a result of this method, the force of the curved surface of the tool may be accurately adjusted to provide for the release of tension in specific muscles.