Dynamic Arm Brace Tensioning for Adhesive Capsulitis Stretching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic braces fail to effectively address adhesive capsulitis, leading to shoulder stiffness and loss of mobility, and do not adequately prepare patients for surgery or expedite post-operative recovery.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic arm brace assembly that externally rotates the forearm relative to the torso, maintaining the elbow close to the body, utilizing a dynamic tensioning assembly to stretch the shoulder capsule and reduce adhesive capsulitis through adjustable tensioning mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing orthopedic braces are used, then basic arm support is provided, but shoulder mobility is not improved and adhesive capsulitis is not treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in treating adhesive capsulitisVSAvoidcomplexity of brace mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brace incorporates a dynamic tensioning assembly with a ratchet mechanism that allows progressive adjustment of tension on the strap. This enables the brace to adapt to changing patient needs and gradually increase shoulder capsule stretching as mobility improves, making the device effective for treating adhesive capsulitis while remaining operable by patients themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brace is divided into distinct functional components: a torso-secured support member, a forearm support member with pivot coupling, and a dynamic tensioning assembly with strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall therapeutic effect, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the elbow is fixed proximate the torso, then shoulder capsule stretching is enabled, but arm mobility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in stretching shoulder capsuleVSAvoidrange of arm movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot coupling between the forearm support member and torso connection member creates a dynamic system that allows the elbow to be held proximate to the torso while permitting controlled rotation and adjustment. This enables the shoulder capsule to be stretched in specific therapeutic directions while maintaining necessary adaptability for different exercise phases and patient needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brace applies constraint locally at the elbow position while leaving the shoulder and wrist free to move within therapeutic ranges. The tensioning assembly applies force specifically to the shoulder capsule through the strap, while the pivot coupling allows localized rotation. This selective application of constraint and freedom resolves the contradiction between capsule stretching and overall arm mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If dynamic tensioning assembly is added, then shoulder capsule stretching is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in reducing adhesive capsulitisVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap acts as an intermediary element that transmits tension from the dynamic tensioning assembly to the shoulder capsule. The ratchet mechanism serves as an intermediary that converts rotational motion into progressive linear tensioning. These intermediary components enable enhanced capsule stretching while keeping the overall device relatively simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism in the dynamic tensioning assembly is designed to be self-regulating, automatically maintaining tension as the shoulder improves mobility. The strap self-adjusts as the patient moves through range of motion, providing continuous therapeutic force without requiring constant manual intervention. This self-service capability enhances effectiveness while minimizing the complexity of control systems needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250360015A1Dynamic arm brace assemblies and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 KAMINSKY SEAN

AI summary

Dynamic arm brace assemblies and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a torso connection member securable to a torso of a patient, a forearm support member that couples with at least a forearm of an patient, the forearm support member couples with the torso connection member so as to fix an elbow of the patient proximate the torso, the forearm support member being pivotally coupled to the torso connection member to allow for an angle between the forearm support member and a coronal plane of the patient, and a dynamic tensioning assembly that externally rotates the forearm support member and selectively sets the angle so as to stretch a shoulder capsule (capsule and adjacent tissue(s)) affected with adhesive capsulitis, reducing the adhesive capsulitis.