Percussion Paddle with Impact Sensor and Pressure Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chest physical therapy methods are inefficient due to the physical exertion required from therapists, variability in pressure application, and the need for manual adjustment based on patient size and condition, leading to inconsistent treatment and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A percussion paddle with a handle and cup assembly that includes an impact sensor, pressure valve, and LED indicators to ensure consistent and variable pressure application, reducing therapist fatigue and providing real-time feedback on impact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual chest physical therapy is performed with cupped hands, then the therapy can be administered, but the therapist experiences physical fatigue and cannot maintain consistent pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cup as an intermediary tool between the therapist's hand and the patient's back. The cup concentrates the therapist's force and maintains consistent pressure application without requiring the therapist to continuously adjust manual pressure, thereby reducing physical exertion while improving reliability of pressure delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual hand-patting method with a mechanical device (the cup and handle assembly) that can be swung to deliver controlled impacts. This substitution allows the therapist to use body mechanics and swinging motion rather than continuous manual pressing, reducing fatigue while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If the therapist manually adjusts pressure based on patient size and condition, then variable pressure can be applied, but the treatment becomes inconsistent and prone to misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the cup to be filled with varying amounts of fluid (water, sand, or other materials). This changes the weight and momentum of the cup, allowing therapists to adjust the impact force to match different patient sizes and conditions. The standardized cup design ensures consistent pressure distribution, while the variable fluid content provides adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the cup's mass to be adjusted through fluid addition or removal. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to be optimized for different patients (pediatric vs. adult) while maintaining reliable pressure application through the standardized cup geometry and swing mechanics
3Strength
If the cup is made rigid to provide structural support, then the handle connection is strong, but the cushion cannot conform to the patient's skin upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cup into two distinct parts: a rigid structural body (the cup itself) and a separate cushion element. The rigid cup provides structural support and maintains connection strength to the handle, while the separate cushion (made of soft material like foam or rubber) conforms to the patient's skin upon impact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromise
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 percussion paddle enables consistent and controlled pressure application, reducing therapist fatigue and ensuring effective mucus removal by providing real-time feedback on impact force, ensuring appropriate therapy is administered consistently.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure valve may be placed within the connection portion of the handle. The pressure valve makes a whistle sound if too much pressure builds up within the cup upon impact.
Implementation Method 2
An impact sensor may be placed in the handle and is electronically connected to a series of LED lights and a screen positioned in the handle and visible to the operator.
Implementation Method 3
Tabs positioned on the receiving portion frictionally engage with slots on the connecting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A percussion paddle device for use in chest physical therapy-comprising a handle and cup positioned at one terminal end of the handle. The cup is made of a pliable plastic and has a cushion positioned long its exterior rim. In use, the percussion paddle is swung at a patient such that the cushion is flush with the patient creating seal. The resulting build up of pressure mimics the force of a cupped hand.