Interchangeable Percussion Massage Tip with Variable Impact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current percussion massage tools are inflexible in design, causing potential damage to the fascia and not allowing for user customization of impact force based on comfort, muscle density, and specific body parts, which can lead to bruising and counteract the benefits of massage therapy.
Innovation Solution
A selectable impact tip system with interchangeable tips using mechanical absorption and reverberation methods, such as springs, pneumatics, and elastomeric durometer scales, allowing users to adjust impact force through various compression values, inflatable tips, and adjustable air chambers for customizable massage experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hard plastic or closed cell foam tips are used in percussion massage devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the impact force cannot be controlled and may cause damage to fascia and blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is divided into multiple layers with different material properties - a harder outer layer for structural integrity and a softer inner layer for shock absorption. This segmentation allows the tip to provide controlled impact force that prevents damage to fascia and blood vessels while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip uses composite materials combining different densities and durometer values in a single tip structure. This allows the tip to absorb and distribute impact forces appropriately, reducing harmful effects on tissue while maintaining the simplicity of a single-piece manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If a single fixed tip design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different users, body parts, and muscle densities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The tip incorporates adjustable elements such as movable inserts or adjustable stiffness mechanisms that allow users to change the tip's characteristics based on their specific needs, body parts being massaged, and muscle density. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without requiring a complete set of different tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip is designed to perform multiple functions through interchangeable inserts or adjustable components - a single tip base can accommodate different inserts for varying impact levels, making it suitable for different users, body parts, and therapeutic needs, thereby reducing the overall number of tips needed.
3Power
If high intensity motor power is used, then the massage effectiveness is increased, but the risk of bruising and inflammation increases due to blood vessel rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The tip acts as an intermediary between the high-power motor and the human tissue. It absorbs and distributes the high impact forces from the motor, converting them into controlled compression that massages tissue without rupturing blood vessels, thus preventing bruising and inflammation while maintaining motor effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip incorporates shock-absorbing materials and structural features designed to cushion the impact before it reaches the tissue. This beforehand cushioning protects blood vessels and fascia from the high-intensity motor forces, preventing damage while allowing the motor to operate at effective power levels.
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
Enables greater control over impact force, reducing the risk of damage and allowing users to tailor the massage experience based on their needs, enhancing comfort and effectiveness of percussion massage therapy.
Implementation Method 1
Tip is a mechanical damper device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses created for the percussion massager device. It does this by converting the kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy which is then dissipated by the geometrical shape of the attachment by having an air chamber that allows the tip of the attachment to flex in a controlled distance
Implementation Method 2
Greater control of reverberation, spring back and absorption is achieved through one or more of the following
Implementation Method 3
Greater control of reverberation, spring back and absorption is achieved through one or more of the following
Implementation Method 4
Tips may use a pneumatic bladder that may be inflated or deflated. Pneumatic tips may have valve on outside and/or from within the shaft to control inflation/deflation
Implementation Method 5
The elastomeric head material and internal geometry of the attachment is engineered to absorb impact and transfer gas while the lower aspect is designed to partially encapsulate the shaft creating a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A selectable impact tip system for use with a percussion massager includes multiple flexible and interchangeable massage tips having variable internal geometries. The variable internal geometries of the flexible and interchangeable tips cause different impact forces during use when used with the reciprocating piston and the removable and hollow shaft of the percussion massager.