Percussive Therapy Device with Adjustable Amplitude and Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional percussive massage therapy devices lack the ability to adjust amplitude and frequency in real time, leading to limited user customization, high noise levels, complex gearing mechanisms, and increased costs, while also failing to mitigate tissue impact effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held percussive therapy device with a gear assembly including a planetary gear, ring gear, and eccentric drive unit, allowing for real-time adjustment of amplitude and frequency through a worm gear and stepper motor, featuring a lubricated bushing for reduced friction and noise, and a shock-absorbing spring for tissue impact mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional percussive massage therapy devices use fixed gearing mechanisms, then the device structure is simple, but the amplitude and frequency cannot be adjusted in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where a movable jaw with adjustable stop positions allows real-time modification of amplitude during operation. The frequency is adjusted by changing the cam profile or eccentricity dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous adaptability without requiring complex multi-gear systems, as the adjustment is achieved through reconfigurable mechanical elements rather than multiple fixed gear trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters (amplitude and frequency) by adjusting the physical configuration of the mechanism - specifically by moving the jaw to different stop positions and changing cam profiles. This allows the same basic mechanism to produce varying outputs without requiring complex gearing, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior apparatuses use complex gearing mechanisms for stroke adjustment, then multiple stroke options are available, but noise levels increase and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating elements (complex gear trains) from the mechanism and replaces them with a simpler cam-and-follower system combined with an adjustable jaw. The stroke adjustment function is achieved through the movable jaw's stop positions rather than through multiple gear engagements, thereby eliminating the harmful noise factor while preserving the adaptability for multiple stroke options.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the traditional mechanical gearing system with a cam-based mechanism and adjustable stop system. This replacement reduces the number of meshing gear components that generate noise, while the cam profile and jaw positioning provide the necessary stroke variation, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and noise reduction.
3Ease of operation
If prior apparatuses lack real time stroke and frequency adjustment, then the device structure is simpler, but user customization and treatment efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities where the jaw can be moved to different stop positions during operation to change amplitude, and the cam profile can be changed to adjust frequency. This dynamic reconfigurability provides extensive user customization without requiring a complex electronic control system, as the adjustments are made through simple mechanical repositioning of existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the adjustment functions into independent, simple mechanical components - the movable jaw with stops for amplitude control and the cam profile selection for frequency control. This segmentation allows each function to be adjusted independently and simply, providing comprehensive user customization without creating a complex integrated control system.
4Speed
If traditional massage therapy is performed by hand, then no complex device is needed, but the speed, range of motion, and patterns are limited by human capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a motorized mechanism that automates the high-speed reciprocating motion, freeing the user from manual operation. The cam-and-follower system with adjustable jaw provides the required speed and range of motion automatically, while the adjustment mechanisms remain simple enough to be operated easily by the user, thus resolving the contradiction between improved performance and device complexity.
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 customizable massage sessions with infinite adjustable amplitude and frequency, reducing muscle stiffness and soreness, promoting muscle comfort, health, and flexibility, while minimizing noise and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing spring therebetween
Implementation Method 2
featuring a lubricated bushing for reduced friction and noise
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for percussive massage therapy is described. The device includes a reciprocating member configured to move at any number of different amplitudes and frequencies. In one example of the device of the present invention, the device is configured with a number of gears including a planetary gear, a ring gear, and a positioning gear, which permit amplitude to be varied between a great number of amplitudes within a predetermined range. The user may adjust frequency and amplitude of the reciprocating member in real time. The reciprocating member may be adapted to vibrate to permit vibration therapy in addition to percussive therapy. In another example of the device of the present invention, a threaded stroke adjustment apparatus is positioned at the front of the device. The threaded stroke adjustment apparatus may be rotated in a first direction to increase stroke, and may be rotated in a second direction to decrease stroke.