Self-Massage Device with Rotating Member and Support Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional massage devices are difficult to use without assistance, require significant physical strength, and are ineffective in alleviating pain in specific areas like the shoulders, neck, and back, particularly the top and front of the trapezius muscles, teres major and minor muscles, and latimus dorsi muscles.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated massage device with a base member and support elements that allow the massage member to rotate freely, enabling users to apply force effectively on various body parts, including the neck, shoulders, and back, without the need for external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional massage devices are used, then massage function is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in use without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The massage device enables self-service by allowing users to independently position and operate the massage member on their own body without requiring assistance from another person. The adjustable support structure and removable massage member facilitate autonomous use while maintaining simplicity.
2Reliability
If conventional massage devices are used, then basic massage is provided, but effectiveness deteriorates in reaching critical pain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The massage device incorporates dynamic adjustability through multiple support structures that can be positioned at different locations and angles. This allows the massage member to reach critical pain areas such as the top and front of trapezius muscles, teres major and minor muscles, and latimus dorsi that are typically difficult to access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the support structure into multiple separate support elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the massage member to access various difficult-to-reach areas of the body by adjusting individual support positions rather than requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism.
3Reliability
If automated massage chairs are used, then comprehensive massage coverage is achieved, but cost deteriorates becoming very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the massage system into a simple base structure with multiple independent support elements and a removable massage member. This modular segmentation achieves comprehensive massage coverage comparable to automated chairs while using simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured at low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential functional elements needed for effective massage (support structures and massage member) while eliminating complex automated mechanisms, electronics, and power systems found in automated massage chairs. This extraction maintains comprehensive coverage capability while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost.
4Ease of operation
If conventional massage devices are used, then massage function is provided, but user control deteriorates becoming hard or impossible to control
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides dynamic user control through adjustable support structures that can be repositioned by the user according to their specific needs. The removable massage member and adjustable supports enable users to easily modify the massage configuration without complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A massage device comprising a base portion having a first main surface, a plurality of support elements arranged in an array pattern about a first main surface of the base portion and extending through the first main surface thereof, and a massage member supportable by any one of the plurality of support elements, wherein the massage device is configured such that a user can rotate the massage member about an end portion of the massage member supported by the desired support element so as to exert a force on the user's body, thereby effecting a massaging of a portion of the user's body.