Physical Therapy Ball with Gel-Filled Gap for Plantar Fasciitis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot massage devices for plantar fasciitis are inadequate as they do not roll easily in all directions, are difficult to clean and disinfect, lack deep massage capabilities, and often cannot be cooled or support an average person's weight during extended therapy sessions.
Innovation Solution
A physical therapy ball with a hollow outer spherical body, radially extending conical protuberances, and a gap filled with a temperature-regulating fluid material, such as gel, to provide a deep massage while being easy to clean and support weight, with the ability to be cooled for extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a solid spherical device is used for foot massage, then it can bear weight and provide deep massage, but it cannot be cooled prior to use for extended therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into an outer spherical shell and an inner spherical core, separated by a gap. This segmentation allows the gap to be filled with gel material that provides cooling capability while the outer shell maintains structural integrity for weight-bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner spherical core is nested within the outer spherical shell, with the gel-filled gap between them. This nested structure allows the cooling gel to be contained within the device while maintaining a compact, spherical external form that can bear weight.
2Strength
If a hard spherical device is used to support full body weight, then it can provide adequate pressure for massage, but it does not roll easily in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is designed with specific surface characteristics that differ from the inner core, creating localized properties. The outer shell provides the hard, weight-bearing surface while the internal gel structure allows for easier rolling motion by distributing forces differently.
3Temperature
If a complex internal structure is added to provide cooling and deep massage, then temperature regulation and massage depth improve, but cleaning and disinfection become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gel material is extracted into a separate gap space between the inner and outer shells, rather than being embedded within the structural components. This extraction allows the gel to be removed and replaced for cleaning purposes while maintaining the cooling function.
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 device effectively breaks up plantar fascia tissue, reduces inflammation, and provides a comfortable, cool massage for an extended period, suitable for deep tissue massage and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid material in the gap for establishing the temperature of the outer body. Examples of the fluid material includes gels such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, elastic gel, non-toxic silica gel, putty, and the like
Data Source
AI summary
A physical therapy ball comprises inner and outer hallow spherical bodies. A web positions the inner spherical body with respect to the outer spherical body to form a gap there between. The gap is filled with a high heat capacity gel. An array of conical sections extends from the outer surface of the outer spherical body to facilitate foot massage.