Sensor-Integrated Therapeutic Support Structure for Dry Hydromassage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydromassage devices face challenges with surface quality and strength limitations of patient supports, particularly in dry water massage systems, which affect the effectiveness and comfort of therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered structure for therapeutic applications incorporating sensor elements, heating elements, and light-emitting diodes, integrated into a fabric matrix, that detects user position and pressure to adapt the massage experience, including temperature control and targeted jet-pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rubber mat is used as patient support in dry water massage, then the patient can be separated from water, but the surface quality and strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers with different properties: a knit fabric layer for strength and structure, a foam layer for cushioning and surface quality, and a waterproof coating layer for water resistance. This multi-layer composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both high strength and excellent surface quality that cannot be obtained with单一 rubber material alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible thin films and coatings, specifically a polyurethane waterproof coating applied to the knit fabric and foam layers. This thin film approach provides the necessary water resistance and surface smoothness while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of the underlying fabric and foam structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor elements and heating elements are integrated into the structure, then personalized massage experience is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into a single patient support structure: the knit fabric layer serves as both structural support and a substrate for embedding sensors; the foam layer provides cushioning and can incorporate heating elements; the waterproof coating protects all integrated components. This universal design allows one structure to fulfill multiple functions (support, sensing, heating, waterproofing) thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components into a unified patient support structure. Sensors, heating elements, and waterproofing are combined into the same multi-layer construction rather than being separate add-on components. This merging approach achieves personalized massage experiences through integrated functionality while controlling overall device complexity by consolidating systems.
3Reliability
If water temperature is increased to promote blood circulation, then therapeutic effect improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through programmable heating cycles that adjust water temperature dynamically during the massage treatment. Instead of maintaining constant high temperature, the system uses varying temperature profiles with heating phases and maintenance phases, achieving therapeutic effects through periodic thermal stimulation while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through integrated temperature sensors that monitor water temperature and provide data to the control system. The system automatically adjusts heating power based on real-time temperature measurements, ensuring therapeutic temperature ranges are maintained while minimizing energy consumption by reducing or stopping heating when target temperatures are achieved, thereby resolving the contradiction between therapeutic reliability and energy efficiency.
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
Enhances user comfort and therapeutic effectiveness by providing personalized massage experiences through precise temperature regulation, targeted jet-pressure, and guided positioning, reducing energy consumption and improving the overall massage quality.
Implementation Method 1
The warmth of the water radiates into deep tissue layers and promotes the blood circulation of the patient
Implementation Method 2
A first force affects the layer from one side and a second force affects the layer from the other side. Different forces are applied from the two sides.
Implementation Method 3
A multi-layered structure for therapeutic applications incorporating sensor elements, heating elements, and light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 4
From nozzles, which can be moved, water jets are pumped from below against the rubber mat on which the patient is lying
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a structure for therapeutic applications comprising at least one layer with sensor elements and heating elements. A first force affects the layer from one side and a second force affects the layer from the other side. The forces are detectable. The sensor elements can comprise, for example, position sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.