Spinal Massage Device Guide Slot and Strap Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal vibrating massage devices require users to perform awkward and potentially painful movements to apply massaging pressure to their own back, limiting the ability to generate significant force and endurance, especially for those with reduced mobility or back injuries, and often necessitate external assistance or expensive professional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable massaging device with vibrating massage heads and a guide slot that allows users to align the device with a stable structure, enabling them to apply and maintain significant pressure using their body and legs rather than their arms, and featuring adjustable strap handles for vertical positioning and flexible use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional massage device handles are used, then the device is simple and portable, but the user must reach far overhead in awkward positions which causes shoulder pain and limits the amount of pressure that can be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved extension that adds a spatial dimension to the force application pathway. Instead of requiring the user to reach overhead in a straight line, the curved extension allows force to be applied through an extended arc, enabling the user to push against their own body weight and generate greater massaging pressure without shoulder strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle includes a curved extension that follows the natural contour of the user's arm and back. This curvature allows the user to maintain a comfortable elbow position while applying pressure, transforming the rigid straight handle into a flexible path that adapts to the user's body geometry and reduces strain.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the user applies massaging pressure with their own arm strength, then no additional equipment is needed, but the duration of massaging pressure is limited by muscular endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the user to counterbalance their own body weight against the massage target. By positioning the curved extension to leverage the user's elbow and allowing them to push their body weight into the massage heads, the system transforms the user's body mass into a sustained force source, eliminating the need to rely on arm muscles alone.
3Ease of operation
If longer and curved handles are used to reduce shoulder mobility requirements, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into distinct functional segments: a grip portion for hand placement, a curved extension for ergonomic positioning, and a connection point for the massage heads. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturability.
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
Enables users to apply consistent, extended massage pressure to their back without straining their arms, improving accessibility and comfort, particularly for those with mobility issues, and providing relief from pain and discomfort through targeted vibration therapy.
Implementation Method 1
portable device for massage of the back, in particular vibrating massage of the spine, nerves, and surrounding tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating back massager with guide slot and vibrating heads is described. The guide slot is designed to restrict lateral movement of the massage device when the guide slot is engaged with a supporting member. The supporting member may be the edge of an open door, a corner, a vertical pole, or other generally available structure. The device includes a strap handle which may be draped over the user's shoulder and used to control the vertical position of the device. The described vibrating massage device allows a single user to create and maintain a significant amount of massage pressure without fatiguing his arms or relying on a second person. In a preferred embodiment, the controls for the vibrating massage device are incorporated into the strap handle so that the speed, intensity, and/or temperature may be controlled by the user without repositioning the device.