Transformable Physical Therapy Tool Modular Handle Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical therapy tools are bulky, difficult to use for therapists with smaller hands, and often have slippery or sharp surfaces that can cause discomfort during scraping exercises for soft tissue mobilization.
Innovation Solution
A transformable physical therapy tool system comprising a receiving scraping tool and an insertable scraping tool, designed to be removably coupled, with customizable handle sizes and edge types to accommodate different hand sizes and provide ergonomic grip and adjustable edge sharpness, allowing for effective soft tissue mobilization without bulkiness or discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional physical therapy tools are made with fixed large hand structures, then they can accommodate large hands, but they become bulky and cumbersome for therapists with smaller hands
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into separate modular components: a handle portion and a working portion that can be detached. This segmentation allows the handle size to be customized independently from the working portion, enabling therapists with smaller hands to use tools without excessive bulk while maintaining effectiveness for soft tissue mobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic adjustability through interchangeable handle portions and detachable working portions. This allows the tool configuration to change based on the therapist's hand size and specific treatment needs, transforming a static fixed-size tool into a dynamic adaptable system.
2Productivity
If tools have sharp edges for effective scraping, then soft tissue mobilization is improved, but they cause bruising and discomfort to the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The working portion allows customization of edge sharpness as a variable parameter. Therapists can select different edge types (sharp, dull, rounded) based on the specific treatment requirements, enabling effective scraping when needed while using duller edges to prevent skin bruising and discomfort during certain phases of treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the working edge can have different sharpness characteristics tailored to specific treatment zones. This allows localized adaptation where sharp edges are used for deep tissue work in certain areas while duller edges are used for more sensitive areas, optimizing both effectiveness and patient comfort.
3Ease of manufacture
If tools have smooth surfaces for easy cleaning, then maintenance is simplified, but they become slippery and difficult to grip
Solution Approach 1:
The handle portion incorporates textured or patterned surfaces in specific zones to provide enhanced grip, while other areas maintain smooth finishes for easy cleaning. This local differentiation allows the handle to simultaneously satisfy both gripping requirements and sanitation needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle design incorporates curved surfaces and ergonomic contours that naturally guide the hand into a secure grip position. These curved geometries provide tactile feedback and natural hand placement without requiring excessive texture, maintaining ease of cleaning while improving grip stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are provided for different hand sizes and edge types, then adaptability is improved, but the tools become bulky and cumbersome to carry together
Solution Approach 1:
The working portion can be nested within or attached to the handle portion when not in use, creating a compact configuration. Interchangeable components can be stored within each other or in a unified case, significantly reducing the volume required to carry multiple tool configurations compared to separate individual tools.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal handle portion can accommodate multiple types of working portions through standardized attachment mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows one handle to serve multiple purposes with different edge types and configurations, reducing the need to carry separate complete tool sets for each variation.
Data Source
AI summary
A transformable physical therapy tool set is provided. The physical therapy tool set includes at least one receiving scraping tool defining a receiving tool handle portion and a receiving tool working portion. The receiving tool handle portion defines a tool insert to receive an insertable scraping tool at least partially therein and the receiving tool working portion defines a working edge for use with soft tissue mobilization. The physical therapy tool set also includes at least one insertable scraping tool defining an insertable tool handle portion and an insertable tool working portion configured to be received by the tool insert. The receiving scraping tool is operable in an instance in which the insertable scraping tool is inserted at least partially within the tool insert. A method of manufacturing the same are also provided.