Acromioclavicular Joint Brace with Diagonal Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acromioclavicular joint braces face challenges in load distribution, patient comfort, ease of use, maintaining correct position, especially in supine positions, and require assistance for application and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The improved brace design includes a sleeve, shoulder pressure pad, front and rear tensioning straps, diagonal strap retention members, a circumferential waistband with adjustable closures, and a tensioning joint with quick release mechanisms, allowing for self-application, improved stability, and effective immobilization in both upright and supine positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the brace uses traditional horizontal traversal band and vertical straps configuration, then the shoulder pressure pad can be positioned on the shoulder, but the load from forearm weight is not properly distributed and the shoulder pressure pad slips down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diagonal strap retention members that extend obliquely from the shoulder pressure pad toward the lower torso, adding a diagonal dimension to the traditional horizontal-vertical strap configuration. This diagonal orientation creates multiple vector components that simultaneously prevent downward slippage and distribute forearm weight across a broader area including the torso, resolving the contradiction between stability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into multiple functional components: horizontal traversal band for basic positioning, vertical tensioning straps for height adjustment, and diagonal strap retention members for anti-slip and load distribution. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific function, collectively achieving both stable positioning and comfortable load distribution.
2Reliability
If the brace is designed with multiple adjustment mechanisms and complex structure to maintain correct position, then the immobilization effectiveness is improved, but the ease of application is reduced requiring auxiliary staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple adjustable elements including vertically extendable straps with adjustment mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different patient anatomies. The diagonal strap retention members can be tensioned independently to achieve optimal positioning. These dynamic adjustment capabilities maintain high immobilization effectiveness while enabling patients to self-adjust the brace without auxiliary staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace design enables patients to independently apply and adjust the device through intuitive adjustment mechanisms on the vertical straps and diagonal retention members. The self-adjustment capabilities eliminate the need for auxiliary staff while maintaining reliable immobilization, as patients can directly control the positioning and tensioning of all critical components.
3Ease of operation
If the brace structure is simplified for easy self-application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to maintain correct stress on the joint in various positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal strap retention members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they prevent shoulder pressure pad slippage, distribute forearm weight load, and maintain correct joint alignment. The vertical tensioning straps provide both structural support and adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality allows the brace to maintain reliable joint stress in various positions while keeping the overall structure manageable for self-application.
Data Source
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AI summary
A brace for immobilization of the acromioclavicular joint in the shoulder comprising a sleeve (12) and a shoulder pressure pad (13), adapted to respectively intervene on the elbow and shoulder on the same side of the body, whether right or left, as well as comprising a front tensioning strap (14) and a rear tensioning strap (15), arranged vertically between the shoulder pressure pad (13) and a front side and rear side of said sleeve (12) respectively, in addition to strap retention members (16), positionable around the torso and under the arm opposite to the one being treated as well as a waistband (20) presenting retention means (21) for firmly positioning the free end of the arm being treated next to the waistband (20).