BME 301 - Face Cradle Improvements Team Pat Kurkiewicz Matt Hoffman Nate Cira Annie Loevinger Client Susan Frikken Advisor Professor Tyler

Background Cost of chair: $200 - $600 - Face Cradle: $30 - $70 Duration: 5 – 30 minutes, typically 20 Focused on upper back and neck

Problem Statement Can a massage chair face cradle be designed to both support and adjust dynamically to the client’s posture during a massage session? As cervical musculature relaxes, face cradle is static Client discomfort Less effective massage Massage progression

Defining the Problem What is causing the problem? Quantify the problem Static face cradle Face slipping Quantify the problem Magnitude of angle and length changes Neck segment length vs. time Length (cm) Time (min)

Client Requirements Easily adjustable, automatic is preferred Compatible with a variety of users Compatible with current chair Padding should be comfortable and non-allergenic Prototype should be lightweight Budget: ~ $100

Spring extension with chinstrap Pros: Cons: Simple Human factors/compatibility Automatic Appearance

Pneumatic pad with manual extension Pros: Cons: Human Factors/compatibility Ease of use Low cost Easy to produce

Force driven logic loop Pros: Cons: Automatic adjustment Complicated Human Factors/compatibility Requires Electricity

Design Matrix Criteria Cost - prototype (out of 5) 4 3 2 Chin Strap w/ Spring Extension Design 2- Pneumatic w/ Manual Extension Design 3- Force Driven Logic Loop Cost - prototype (out of 5) 4 3 2 Cost - mass (out of 5) Ease of use (out of 10) 8 6 9 Ease of production (out of 5) Appearance (out of 5) Washability (out of 5) 5 Human factors compatibility (out of 10) 7 Extendable (out of 10) 10 Reliability (out of 10) 1 Supportive (out of 10) Total (out of 75) 50 53 47

Design 2 – Manual Extension with Balloon Inflation Good human factors compatibility Easy to produce one or many Reliable Very supportive/sturdy Low Cost

Future Work Contact additional massage therapists Perform more quantifying tests Finalize design ideas Order materials and begin construction Test prototype once completed

References Cohen, J. R. 2004. U.S. Patent No. 7,089,613. Flexinghead support suspension system. comfortfirst.com/p-34155-pisces-dolphin-ii-horizontal-massage-chair-free- shipping.aspz Manning, D. B. 1994. U.S. Patent No. 5,347,668. Theraputic head rest device. www.massagetables.com/massage-accessories/face_rests.asp

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