Segmented Rib Massage Roller for Tissue Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-myofacial release (SMR) foam roller devices are ineffective in optimizing soft tissue separation and improving blood flow to adhered and occluded areas, and they lack durability due to permanent compression of the foam layer over time.
Innovation Solution
A massage device with an elongate body and radially extending ribs forming undulations, which, when rolled against the body, provides a massage action by pushing soft tissue in different directions, releasing fascia adhesions and promoting blood and lymph flow, with varying rib spacing and depth to customize the massage effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional foam roller devices are used, then they provide some therapeutic assistance, but they lack effectiveness in optimizing soft tissue separation and improving blood flow to adhered and occluded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The foam roller surface is segmented into multiple raised protrusions arranged in patterns, where each protrusion can independently compress and manipulate soft tissue. This segmentation allows targeted pressure application to specific tissue areas, improving soft tissue separation effectiveness while maintaining the overall simplicity of the roller structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the foam roller surface have varying protrusion heights, densities, and patterns to provide localized massage effects. Areas with higher protrusion density target specific trigger points, while lower density areas provide broader tissue manipulation, optimizing blood flow and tissue separation in different anatomical regions.
2Reliability
If conventional foam roller devices are used, then they are simple in structure, but they lack durability as the foam layer becomes permanently compressed over time
Solution Approach 1:
The foam roller incorporates a high-density, slow-recovery foam material that resists permanent compression. This pre-engineered material property provides long-term durability by maintaining its original shape and cushioning characteristics even after repeated use, preventing the device from becoming useless over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam roller uses a composite construction with multiple foam densities or layers, combining a softer outer layer for comfort with a denser inner core for structural support and durability. This composite approach enhances longevity while maintaining the simple single-piece roller design.
3Reliability
If foam protrusions compress the body during rolling, then they improve myofacial release and blood flow, but they do not optimise soft tissue separation and improve blood flow to adhered and occluded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The foam roller protrusions are designed with varying compliance levels, allowing them to dynamically adapt to different tissue densities and user pressure. Softer protrusions provide gentle compression for sensitive areas, while firmer protrusions deliver deeper pressure for robust tissue manipulation, enabling users to self-regulate massage intensity based on their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling motion combined with the protrusion pattern creates periodic compression and release cycles on the tissue. This rhythmic action enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage by creating pumping effects that move fluids through adhered and occluded areas more effectively than static pressure.
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 device effectively releases fascia adhesions, increases blood and lymph flow, and assists in tissue recovery from injury, offering a more durable and customizable massage experience compared to traditional SMR devices.
Implementation Method 1
urging the one or more ribs against a body of a user and rolling the elongate body about the longitudinal axis therealong massages the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device for massaging a user having an elongate body and one or more ribs extending therefrom, the one or more ribs forming an undulation, whereby urging the one or more ribs against a body of the user and rolling the elongate body there along massages the user.