Portable Myofascial Release Strap with Locking Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for myofascial release and massage therapies are not portable, require significant space, and demand excessive strength and mobility, making them inaccessible to a diverse population.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a strap and locking mechanism that allows adjustable compression and blood flow restriction, enabling users to apply myofascial release techniques without needing to exert full body weight or require extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a foam roller is used to apply pressure to trigger points, then compression can be applied to the affected area, but the device requires the user to bear their entire body weight and occupies larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a strap as an intermediary element that transfers compression force from a fixed support structure to the user's body. This eliminates the need for the user to generate compression force through body weight, making the device accessible to individuals with limited strength while maintaining effective compression on trigger points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of body weight application with a static support structure (wall, door, or fixed surface). The compression force is generated by the support structure rather than requiring active user effort, substituting a passive mechanical system for an active one that demands significant physical capability.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible elastic strap is wrapped around the user's limb to provide compression, then the device is portable, but it does not provide targeted compression and requires continued tension requiring great strength and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The strap serves as a mediator between the fixed support structure and the target area. It transmits concentrated compression force from the support structure to the trigger point, providing targeted compression without requiring the user to generate or maintain tension through body weight or continuous physical effort.
3Ease of operation
If a strap is affixed to a massager to enable grip and positioning, then ease of grip is improved, but the device is not portable and does not apply isolated compression with blood flow restriction option
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the compression function from the support structure by using a separate strap element. This allows the compression mechanism to be detached and portable while the support structure remains fixed. The segmented design enables the strap to be applied to various body locations for isolated compression without requiring the entire massager device to be portable.
4Reliability
If simultaneous compression and trigger point movement therapy is applied, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the device requires skill and strength to apply consistent wrapping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed support structure acts as an intermediary that provides consistent, reliable compression force without requiring user strength or skill. The strap transmits this stable force to the trigger point, ensuring consistent wrapping pressure throughout the therapeutic exercise while eliminating the need for the user to generate or maintain force.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device and a method associated with the device. The device is a portable attachment tool, which can improve mobility, relieve tightness, and increase performance. The device includes an attachment strap, a rigid or semi-rigid protruding feature, a base containing the protruding feature which the attachment strap is connect to, and a locking mechanism on the base that fixes the strap at a certain diameter. The device when applied aids in myofascial release, compression, stability, growth hormone stimulation, lymph and circulation stimulation. With respect to the associated method, the method includes: The user wraps the strap around the affected limb locating the protrusion on the trigger point in the affected region. The strap is pulled snug, and the locking mechanism is engaged. The user then moves the affected limb through easy ranges of motion. The strap may then be removed.