Automated Therapy Massager

Concept description

The therapy device consists of a pneumatic system and a control section. The pneumatic part consists of an air compressor, solenoid valves and inflatables. The control section has a micro-controller which controls the solenoid valves opening and closing timely so that the compressed air gets into and out of the inflatables in a sequential manner. The inflation 
and deflation of the device helps massage the part enhancing therapy procedure. The sequential inflation and deflation in coordination with regulated pressures will be such that to enhance massage of the specific part under therapy such as the limbs and joints. The therapy device will minimize the manual massaging done by the medical practitioner thus the caregiver can be able to attend to several patients at a time. Also the patient can use the massager at home or any other convenience. These are the different systems involved for the complete operation of the device:

  • Pneumatic system

Some of these components have been illustrated in the figures below while the rest are in the document.

  • Electrical system

These are the controls and power used in the operation of the device. These have been discussed deeply in the documentation.

  • Graphical user interface

This platform enables the user to interact with the device without having to get acquainted to the complex components. Mostly the display to enable the user know within what ranges the system is operating and if the pressures displayed are relative to themselves.

  • Textile component

This is the material make up of the inflatable. The textile covers the skin and the inflator system inflates and deflates separately each of compartments allowing the adhesion in selective way of the textile to the skin simulating the auto-massaging.



The diagram above illustrates the inflation and deflation of the cuff. The air fills the inflatable from the air reservoir when the system is turned on and compresses the skin, allowing vasoconstriction of the veins and arteries, restricting blood flow, breaking down coagulated blood components into non-coagulates. Final step is the deflation of the inflatable, releasing the air back to the reservoir, allowing vasodilation of the veins and arteries, thus proper blood flow through the circulatory system.