Soft Tissue Mobilizing Device With Tab Gripping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating myofascial and musculoskeletal imbalances, such as myofascial release therapy and postural tapes, are inefficient in normalizing tissue imbalances due to their passive nature, which does not allow for manual lifting and shifting to accelerate the healing process.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue mobilizing device with a tab gripping mechanism that can be manually lifted and shifted to decompress and treat myofascial and musculoskeletal tissue imbalances, allowing for active intervention and faster normalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If passive postural tapes or myofascial release therapy are used, then treatment can be applied to soft tissue, but the normalization process is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment device transitions from a static passive tape to a dynamic system that enables active manual manipulation. The tab gripping mechanism allows therapists to dynamically lift, shift, and reposition the device during treatment, transforming the treatment process from passive to active and significantly reducing normalization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab gripping mechanism serves as an intermediary component that enables manual intervention. This mediator allows therapists to apply controlled forces and movements to the soft tissue through the device, bridging the gap between passive tape application and active manual therapy techniques.
2Productivity
If manual lifting and shifting is enabled through tab gripping mechanism, then normalization time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the adhesive backing for tissue attachment, the flexible body for conforming to tissue contours, and the tab gripping mechanism for manual manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab gripping mechanism is introduced as a simple intermediary component that enables manual manipulation without requiring complex mechanisms. The tab acts as a straightforward interface between the therapist's hand and the device, allowing lifting and shifting actions while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Reliability
If active manual intervention is used to lift and shift the device, then tissue decomposition and realignment is enhanced, but treatment requires more skill and training
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables a degree of self-service treatment where patients can perform some of their own tissue mobilization by gripping and manipulating the device themselves. This reduces the skill requirement for therapists while maintaining treatment effectiveness, as the device provides mechanical assistance for tissue realignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab gripping mechanism serves as an intermediary that simplifies the manual manipulation process. By providing a clear grip point and mechanical leverage, the tab reduces the complexity of manual intervention, making the treatment more accessible to operators with varying levels of skill and training.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating myofascial and/or musculoskeletal tissue imbalances. The apparatus comprises a soft tissue mobilizing device having a front surface and a back surface. The back surface has an adhesive to adhere the device directly to the soft tissue area of a patient's body where muscle tension, aches and pain are present. The device when applied decompresses the soft tissue area being treated. The front surface includes a tab gripping mechanism to allow the patient or a therapist to grip the tab for manually lifting and shifting the soft tissue area under the mobilizing device being treated. The manual lifting and shifting of the patient's soft tissue reduces the time period for normalizing the myofascial and/or musculoskeletal tissue area being treated.