Segmented Vibrating Footboard with Independent Elastic Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating footboards are not suitable for elderly subjects or those with osteoporosis due to rigidity issues, and they fail to provide optimal neuromuscular stimulation as they do not account for the different stiffness of lower limbs, leading to uneven vibration efficacy and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating footboard with multiple upper plates and intermediate plates connected through elastic means, featuring an eccentric mass electric motor and a control panel with sensors to adjust vibration frequency and amplitude, ensuring each foot receives tailored neuromuscular stimulation, and accommodating different limb stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single rigid upper plate is used to transmit vibrations, then vibration transmission efficiency is improved, but safety and comfort for elderly subjects or those with osteoporosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single rigid upper plate is divided into multiple independent upper plates (first upper plate, second upper plate, etc.), each capable of moving independently relative to the intermediate plate through separate second elastic means. This segmentation allows each plate to adapt to the specific stiffness of the limb it contacts, providing softer, more comfortable vibrations while maintaining effective neuromuscular stimulation.
2Device complexity
If a single upper plate is used for both feet, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide tailored stimulation for each limb deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper support structure is segmented into multiple independent upper plates (at least a first upper plate and a second upper plate), each coupled to the intermediate plate through separate second elastic means. This allows each plate to independently adapt to the stiffness characteristics of the respective limb, providing tailored neuromuscular stimulation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper plates are designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than statically fixed. Each upper plate can move independently relative to the intermediate plate through the second elastic means, allowing the system to automatically adjust to different limb stiffness conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If vibration frequency and amplitude are kept constant, then device complexity is minimized, but stimulation efficacy over time deteriorates due to limb adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration parameters are made dynamic rather than static. The control panel allows adjustment of vibration frequency and amplitude, and the system can modify these parameters during operation based on detected limb responses through sensors. This dynamic adjustment prevents neural adaptation and maintains stimulation efficacy over time without requiring overly complex automated control systems.
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 footboard provides safe, effective, and comfortable neuromuscular stimulation for all users, including those with osteoporosis, by adapting to individual limb stiffness and maintaining stimulation efficacy over time, with softer vibrations for enhanced user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating motor transmitting vibrations, which comprises an electric motor having an unbalanced eccentric mass
Implementation Method 2
second elastic means capable to oppose to a movement of said one or more first upper plates with respect to said at least one intermediate plate
Implementation Method 3
vibration-damping elements coupled between the base plate and the intermediate plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
This invention relates to a vibrating footboard comprising a base plate (1) and at least one intermediate plate (6), the base plate (1 ) being coupled to at least one intermediate plate (6) through first elastic means (7, 8, 9) capable to oppose to a movement of said at least one intermediate plate (6) with respect to the base plate (1 ), vibrating means (21; 211, 212; 21 ') being coupled to said at least one intermediate plate (6), the vibrating footboard being characterised in that it further comprises one or more first upper plates (12, 13; 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133), capable to support feet of a user, said one or more first upper plates (12, 13; 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133) being coupled to said at least one intermediate plate (6) through second elastic means (15, 16) capable to oppose to a movement of said one or more first upper plates (12, 13; 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133) with respect to said at least one intermediate plate (6).