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

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

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

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

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

9. 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

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

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

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

13. Questions ?