Percussive Massage Pressure Control via Motor Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing percussive massage devices lack the ability to determine and consistently apply the correct pressure levels, relying on the skill and memory of the massage therapist, which can lead to inconsistent treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining pressure settings for a percussive massage applicator by measuring the motor current consumption, allowing for the selection of predetermined pressure ranges based on the measured values, thereby ensuring consistent pressure application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual percussive massage is applied by a skilled massage therapist, then the pressure can be adjusted to provide relaxing or therapeutic effects, but the therapist may tire before completing a sufficient treatment regime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtherapist endurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical percussive massage with an electromechanical device that uses a motor-driven reciprocating piston to generate percussive forces. This substitution eliminates the need for manual repetitive motions, allowing the device to operate continuously without therapist fatigue while maintaining controlled pressure application through motor regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional electromechanical percussive applicators are used, then consistent pressure can be applied, but the devices are expensive, large, heavy, and tethered to electrical power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure consistencyVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the electrical power source tether from the device design by implementing a wireless communication system that transmits pressure information from a remote pressure sensor to the applicator controller. This eliminates the need for physical power and data connections, making the device portable while maintaining consistent pressure control through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the applicator controller. This wireless intermediary transmits pressure information without requiring physical connections, enabling portable operation while maintaining precise pressure consistency through continuous wireless data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional percussive applicators are used, then percussive massage can be applied, but the devices are relatively noisy due to conventional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemassage delivery capabilityVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional noisy motor-piston mechanisms with a quieter alternative that uses controlled reciprocating motion of a piston driven by a motor. The system incorporates damping elements and optimized mechanical linkages that reduce noise generation while maintaining effective percussive massage delivery through controlled impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If pressure is increased to provide relief from sore muscles, then therapeutic effectiveness improves, but comfort for certain persons decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoiddiscomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pressure control system that can adjust the percussive force in real-time based on feedback from pressure sensors and communication with external devices. This allows the system to optimize pressure levels for maximum therapeutic effectiveness while adapting to individual comfort preferences, preventing excessive pressure that would cause discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise determination and consistent application of pressure levels, improving the efficacy of percussive massage therapy by ensuring that the appropriate pressure is applied to specific areas of the body.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor coupled to drive a reciprocating piston within a cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250143961A1System and process for determining pressure settings for a percussive massage applicator

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 HYPERICE IP SUBCO LLC

AI summary

Systems and processes for determining pressure settings for a percussive massage applicator are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining an operational current measurement of the motor when the motor has a load. difference value is determined between the current measurement and the operational current measurement. The difference value is compared to two or more predetermined ranges of values that correspond to a pressure level of the percussive applicator. The pressure level may be provided as feedback to the user.