Stick-Slip Swivel Coupling for Articulating Reciprocating Massage Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage tools attached to reciprocating motors lack the ability to swivel and articulate like a human hand, leading to inadequate distribution of force and potential discomfort or bruising, especially when used on delicate areas.
Innovation Solution
A massage tool with a swivel coupling that utilizes stick-slip friction to allow the body follower to rotate and translate with six degrees of freedom, enabling it to conform to the body's contours and vary the angle of the stroke axis, using rotating joints such as ball and socket, hinges, and universal joints for flexible movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling is used to attach the massage tool to the reciprocating shaft, then the tool remains stable and maintains consistent force application, but the tool cannot swivel or articulate to conform to body contours, limiting its adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The swivel coupling enables the massage tool to rotate and articulate while maintaining force transmission, adapting to body contours while preserving stable force application through the reciprocating shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into separate functional components: a swivel mechanism for articulation, a friction engagement system for force transmission, and a release mechanism for tool removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a friction-based swivel coupling is used to allow tool articulation, then the tool can conform to body contours and vary angles, but the tool may become loose or detach during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism utilizes changes in friction parameters through the reciprocating motion. During the power stroke, increased normal force enhances frictional engagement to prevent loosening. During the return stroke, reduced force allows controlled swiveling and articulation. This dynamic parameter change enables both secure retention and flexible movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based coupling maintains continuous engagement throughout the reciprocating cycle. The alternating high-friction and low-friction phases ensure the tool remains securely attached during force application while permitting necessary articulation during the return stroke, eliminating periods of disengagement or looseness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the massage tool is rigidly attached perpendicular to the body surface, then force is distributed over a larger area, but the tool cannot be applied at varying angles, reducing its versatility for different body surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The massage tool employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows the tool head to swivel and articulate relative to the reciprocating shaft. This enables the tool to maintain optimal perpendicular alignment with the body surface for force distribution while simultaneously allowing operators to apply the tool at various angles to accommodate different body contours and treatment areas.
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 solution provides a more natural and comfortable massage experience by allowing the tool to adjust its angle and position relative to the body surface, reducing discomfort and improving coverage, mimicking the natural tapotemental action of human therapists.
Implementation Method 1
The swivel coupling removably couples the massage tool to the reciprocating shaft of the reciprocating motor, wherein the shaft has a stroke axis and a stroke length. The swivel coupling includes a cup having a swivel bearing, a thrust bearing, a rim, and a coupling diameter, and includes a thrust journal stick-slip frictionally fit to the cup allowing the thrust journal to swivel within the swivel bearing and to slip along the stroke axis during reciprocation of the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held massaging system includes a swivel coupling for removably attaching a massage tool to a reciprocating motor having a shaft having a stroke axis and a stroke length. The swivel coupling consists of a thrust journal and a cylindrical cup, an inner diameter of the cup providing a swivel bearing and bottom of the cup forming a thrust bearing. When the shaft reciprocates at a forced frequency, the thrust journal is retained within the cup by stick-slip friction that allows the thrust journal to swivel within the cup and to slip along the stroke axis. The thrust journal and cup attach between the massage tool and the shaft.