Wearable Oscillatory PEMF Driver for Self-Administered Back Pain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant unmet demand for a pain management solution that mimics human touch for back pain relief, particularly for individuals who cannot access regular massages due to busy schedules or privacy concerns, and existing solutions do not offer effective, portable, and self-administered alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A standalone, hands-free wearable device using a non-stretching belt with a ratchet buckle and drum-shaped oscillatory motion driver, combined with a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) unit, that applies oscillatory pressure and heat to mimic human massage, allowing self-administered pain relief at various orientations and locations, including the back, legs, and thighs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hands-on massage is performed by a therapist, then effective pain relief is achieved, but it requires an assistant and is not accessible to everyone due to busy schedules and privacy concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a wearable massage device that allows users to administer massage therapy to themselves without requiring a therapist. The device includes a motorized roller mechanism that can be positioned and operated independently, enabling users to receive pain relief treatment at home or during activities without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of human hands with an automated motorized roller system. The device uses a motor-driven roller that can apply consistent pressure and motion to massage muscles, substituting the variable human mechanical action with a controlled mechanical system that delivers repeatable therapeutic effects.
2Ease of operation
If a wearable massage device is made portable and hands-free, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a single wearable device that can massage multiple body areas (back, legs, thighs) and operate in various orientations. The device includes adjustable positioning mechanisms and can function during different activities such as walking, running, or exercising, eliminating the need for multiple specialized massage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the massage function into modular components: a motorized roller unit, a positioning system with adjustable straps, and a control system. This modular approach allows the complex functions to be distributed across separate components that work together, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable.
3Reliability
If the oscillatory motion driver applies high back pressure to mimic human touch, then pain relief effectiveness is improved, but it may cause excessive pressure on the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the roller mechanism to target specific muscle groups rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire back. The device can be positioned to focus on areas like the lower back, thighs, or calves, allowing intense localized massage where needed while avoiding excessive pressure on sensitive areas like the spine through proper positioning and controllable pressure zones.
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 provides effective pain relief by mimicking human touch, allowing for self-administered massage at home, reducing back pain sensitivity, and enhancing recovery through oscillatory motion and PEMF, which can be used during various activities and is portable for travel.
Implementation Method 1
drum shaped drivers comprise a spine channel configured to allow a section of the spine to recess into the channel and avoid excessive pressure against the spine. Another advantage of the invention is the oscillatory motion driver having center mounted motor and torque conversion planetary gears. The planetary gears couple with an off center rotating mass to generate a great amount of massage force action.
Implementation Method 2
A top mounted infrared LED provides heat for relaxing deep tissues to mask pain felt by the user of the disclosed apparatus, device and system.
Implementation Method 3
The pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) unit generates Oscillatory Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (OPEMF) to speed up a user's recovery from pain.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable pain management apparatus includes a drum shaped oscillatory motion driver mounted with electromagnetic coils attached to a non-stretching belt tightly strapped around a user's waist. The driver's top surface is pressed against the back of the user's waist. A belt has a ratchet buckle and a group of elongated tracks. A holster with a battery pack is securely clipped onto the belt. A center mounted motor drives a set of torque conversion planetary gears. An off center mounted mass rotates and causes unbalance and an oscillatory motion. A power cable laminated between two surfaces of the belt body terminates on a switch. The user holds a deep breath while pulling hard on the belt end causing the ratchet buckle to lock on the tracks. This action effectively places hand pressure on the apparatus rubbing on their back via the Oscillatory Pulsed Electromagnetic Field to speedily alleviate pain.