Oblique Applicator Front Area for Massage Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for treating the human or animal body with shockwaves and macroscopic strokes are limited in their application possibilities due to a predominantly perpendicular orientation, which restricts controllability and comfort during treatment, and inadequate distribution of force on the body surface.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an oblique front area portion, angled between 30° and 60° relative to the stroke direction, allowing for improved controllability and comfort during treatment, and capable of generating intense strokes and shockwaves, with a design featuring a substantial oblique area for effective tissue massage and force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the applicator is designed with a perpendicular front area to the stroke direction, then the shockwave generation is effective, but the controllability and comfort during treatment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollability and comfort during treatmentVSAvoidfront area orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator front area is designed with an asymmetric oblique orientation (30°-60° angle) relative to the stroke direction, breaking the conventional perpendicular symmetry. This asymmetric design allows the applicator to be placed at oblique angles on the body surface, improving therapist controllability and comfort while maintaining effective shockwave and stroke generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If the applicator front area is oriented perpendicular to the stroke direction, then the force is concentrated, but the distribution of force on the body surface is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution on body surfaceVSAvoidapplicability on body surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator front area is divided into different functional zones with distinct orientations. The oblique front area portion (30°-60° angle) provides broad force distribution for comfortable treatment, while the design maintains capability for concentrated force application when needed, allowing the therapist to adapt force distribution to specific treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 oblique front area design enhances the applicator's ability to be placed and moved comfortably on the body surface, allowing for more effective tissue treatment with controlled strokes and shockwaves, improving therapeutic outcomes by distributing force broadly and reducing the risk of irritation.

Implementation Method 1

a shockwave is initiated by a collision of a pneumatically accelerated striking member or projectile with an impact body or applicator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollision: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

a pneumatically accelerated striking member or projectile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic acceleration: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10667986B2Apparatus for treating the human or animal body with mechanical strokes

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 STORZ MEDICAL

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for treating a human or animal body by mechanical strokes, wherein an applicator for being placed on the patient's body surface has a basically oblique front area portion in an angle between 30° and 60° to the stroke direction.