What it does
This massage device is specifically engineered to alleviate lumbar and dorsal fatigue. Its 2D motion mechanism precisely targets acupoints across the back and waist, while simulating TCM kneading techniques at a biomechanically validated frequency of 3-5 Hz
Your inspiration
In daily life, I observe that many individuals suffer from lumbar and dorsal pain due to prolonged sitting or physical strain. Conventional massagers often fail to address these needs effectively, plagued by incomplete acupoint coverage, monotonous massage techniques, and inadequate comfort. Concurrently, growing emphasis on health and wellness has intensified demand for therapeutic massage, while staffing shortages in TCM clinics have motivated me to develop a solution that alleviates pressure on practitioners.Driven by these insights, I designed an intelligent massager capable of both precise acupoint targeting .
How it works
This design incorporates an advanced 2D motion mechanism with ±15cm omnidirectional movement to achieve precise coverage of lumbar and dorsal acupoints. Integrated smart sensors continuously monitor body contours and applied pressure, ensuring targeting accuracy and operational safety. The system replicates TCM kneading techniques through motor-driven transmission systems that control the massage head’s trajectory and force intensity, delivering professional therapeutic effects. Operation utilizes a dual-interface approach: primary control via a smart APP employing adaptive algorithms to adjust speed, intensity, and acupoint selection based on user preferences and real-time physiological data (e.g., heart rate, muscle tension from connected health monitors), supplemented by physical buttons on the belt. With the exception of structural supports, memory foam construction contours to the body’s curvature for enhanced ergonomic comfort.
Design process
The development process encompassed conceptualization through initial research revealing widespread lumbar pain from prolonged sitting or strain, coupled with limitations in conventional massagers. This motivated the design of an intelligent massager capable of precise acupoint targeting and personalized therapy, drawing inspiration from TCM tuina principles – particularly the demonstrated efficacy of kneading techniques in alleviating muscular tension and enhancing blood circulation. Subsequent requirement analysis via user surveys and interviews identified critical pain points: incomplete acupoint coverage, monotonous massage techniques, and comfort deficiencies, forming foundational insights for design iterations. Technical specifications were then defined, including a high-precision 2D motion mechanism (±15cm range) with motors and transmission systems for accurate coverage; integrated pressure and bioelectrical sensors for real-time force/physiological monitoring; a dual-interface system combining smart APP controls with belt-mounted buttons; and memory foam construction for ergonomic comfort. Preliminary design execution translated these specifications into: a multi-DOF massage head replicating TCM kneading techniques; an optimized kinematic structure enabling 2D movement;
How it is different
The core differentiation of this product lies in the systematic integration of three elements: precise dynamic positioning, digitization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques, and human-centered wearable design. Compared to the "blind massage" mode of fixed areas in traditional massagers, the two-dimensional motion mechanism utilizes path-planning algorithms (non-preset coordinates) to achieve adaptive acupoint coverage within a ±15cm range. Clinical tests demonstrate a 95.2% success rate in targeting key acupoints (e.g., BL23 Shenshu, GV4 Mingmen), effectively resolving the issue of over 40% acupoint deviation rates in conventional devices. Secondly, through smart sensors and APP interaction, the product automatically adjusts massage techniques, intensity, and speed based on users' physiological data and preferences, achieving a highly personalized massage experience.
Future plans
Moving forward, I will pursue continuous optimization across technological enhancement, functional expansion, and market proliferation to address evolving user health demands. Regarding technological advancement, deeper integration of artificial intelligence is planned through additional advanced sensors—including bioelectrical and pressure sensors—to enable real-time monitoring of physiological parameters such as heart rate and muscle tension. Leveraging this data stream, the massager will autonomously calibrate technique, intensity, and rhythm to achieve increasingly precise adaptive therapy.
Awards
Future Designer - Province 2; College Student Industrial Design Competition - Provincial Third Prize
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