Resonant ERM Vibration Platform for Therapeutic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage therapies for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have not been thoroughly studied for their effectiveness in treating symptoms such as mucus buildup, and existing devices lack the ability to apply therapeutic vibration and compression effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system using motors with eccentric rotating masses (ERMs) to generate vibrations and compressions, which can be adjusted based on user feedback and physiological data, and can encode environmental stimuli as tactile sensations to achieve therapeutic goals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple rotating motors are used to apply oscillating force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of therapeutic vibration and compression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs motors with eccentric rotating masses to generate controlled vibrations and oscillating forces. The eccentric mass creates an unbalanced rotating force that produces therapeutic vibration patterns, directly addressing the need for effective therapeutic vibration while maintaining reasonable device complexity through standard motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration parameters to optimize therapeutic effectiveness for different conditions. By varying these parameters, the device can deliver tailored vibration therapy that addresses specific therapeutic needs while using conventional motor hardware.
2Reliability
If massage therapy is applied to improve circulation and reduce mucus buildup, then health outcomes are improved, but the effectiveness has not been thoroughly studied or optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies periodic vibration and compression cycles to treatment areas, creating rhythmic mechanical stimulation that mimics natural physiological patterns. This periodic action enhances circulation and mucus mobilization by leveraging oscillating pressure waves that promote fluid movement through tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous or extended vibration therapy sessions with minimal interruption, ensuring sustained therapeutic effect. The motors can operate continuously with controlled duty cycles, maintaining consistent mechanical stimulation to maximize circulation improvement and mucus clearance over time.
3Reliability
If vibration frequency and amplitude are adjusted to match natural body rhythms, then therapeutic effectiveness is enhanced, but the device requires more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors to detect physiological parameters such as heart rate and respiratory patterns, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust vibration frequency and amplitude. This closed-loop control enables the device to synchronize with the user's natural body rhythms, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while the control algorithm manages the complexity of real-time adjustments.
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 system effectively applies therapeutic vibrations and compressions to improve blood and lymph circulation, reduce mucus buildup, and enhance overall well-being by aligning with natural body rhythms and adjusting to user responses.
Implementation Method 1
The motors may be equipped with a mass rotating on an axle about a point which is not at the center of the rotational inertia of the mass. The mass may therefore impart a vibration or wobble to the motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described for delivering a therapeutic vibration to a body. The device may include at least two motors in a housing with unbalanced masses coupled to their axles, such that vibration of the masses causes the two motors and housing to vibrate at a beat frequency 80. The motors and housing may be coupled to the body via a platform which places the motors and housings at or near a resonant structure in the body, creating a coupled oscillation between the platform and the body. The vibration may be based on the input signal, such that the system applies the vibration based on the input signal to the user, wherein the signal may be an audio or video signal.