Percussion Therapy Apparatus with Serpentine Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual percussive therapy for dislodging mucous buildup in the respiratory system is time-consuming, physically demanding for practitioners, and uncomfortable for patients, requiring trained professionals and being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A percussion therapy apparatus with a torso covering secured by straps, featuring integrated percussive devices and a control system allowing adjustable force, frequency, and duration of percussion, enabling self-administration of therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual percussive therapy is performed by a trained practitioner, then effective dislodging of mucous buildup is achieved, but it is time-consuming and physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical percussive therapy system with an automated electromechanical system. The apparatus uses electrical actuators to generate percussive forces, eliminating the need for manual practitioner intervention while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for dislodging mucous buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables self-administered therapy through automated control systems. Patients can independently operate the device without requiring a trained practitioner, thereby reducing time loss and making the therapy accessible for routine use.
2Reliability
If manual percussive therapy is performed, then mucous dislodging is effective, but it is physically demanding for the practitioner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the practitioner's physical effort with an electromechanical actuation system. Electrical motors and actuators generate the required percussive forces, completely eliminating the physical demand on the practitioner while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If manual percussive therapy is performed, then therapy can be administered, but it is uncomfortable for the patient-recipient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow adjustment of percussive force intensity, frequency, and duration. This enables customization of the therapy to patient comfort levels while maintaining effectiveness, unlike fixed manual techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated electromechanical system provides more precise and controllable percussive delivery compared to manual techniques, reducing discomfort through consistent, programmable force application rather than variable manual pressure.
4Ease of operation
If manual percussive therapy is performed, then therapy can be administered, but it is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated apparatus enables unassisted self-administration of therapy, eliminating the need for practitioner time and making the process more efficient. Patients can perform therapy independently without scheduling practitioner appointments.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical system delivers percussive therapy more rapidly and consistently than manual methods, improving productivity through automated, repeatable cycles without practitioner fatigue or variability.
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 apparatus provides efficient and comfortable percussion therapy, reducing the need for trained practitioners and minimizing physical strain, while effectively dislodging mucous buildup in the respiratory system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of straps being a stretchable shoulder strap that defines a cavity therein that extends between the respective first and second ends for receiving at least one cable therethrough to electrically communicate between the front and rear panels of the torso covering, wherein the at least one cable is routed through the cavity in a serpentine manner to accommodate stretching of the shoulder strap
Implementation Method 2
The system may include a plurality of engines which when activated apply an oscillation force. The oscillation force may mobilize, during use, at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent the treatment area
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for percussion therapy of a patient's torso area provide percussive force to release and/or dislodge mucous from respiratory airways of a human patient. Such devices, systems, and methods may include a torso covering for securing to a patient's torso, percussive devices coupled to the torso covering, and an attachment assembly for supporting the torso covering. The percussive devices may include a percussion frame, an electromechanically actuated percussor for controlled movement between end positions, and resilient members attached to opposite ends of the percussion frame for assisting controlled movement of the percussor. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide efficient and comfortable high-frequency percussive force to a patient's torso, reducing stress on the patient and improving patient experience.