Arm Cradle with Convertible Sling for Shoulder Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for shoulder surgery patients do not provide stable support for the surgically repaired arm and shoulder during sleep while restricting movement to prevent injury, and they are not convertible into a sling for use during waking hours.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising an arm cradle and side bolster that can be secured to a mat, allowing the arm to be held at adjustable angles for stability during sleep and converted into a sling for ambulatory use, with straps for secure attachment to the patient and mat, enabling immobilization of the shoulder during recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art support pillows are used, then some support is provided for the arm, but they fail to restrict patient movement (rolling or shifting) to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the arm cradle provides both arm support and movement restriction through its positioning structure, while the attached sling provides additional support and immobilization. This merging ensures reliable injury prevention without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the arm at proper angles, restricting patient movement during sleep, and providing continuous immobilization. The cradle and sling combination serves both as a support structure and a movement restriction mechanism, making the device universally applicable for post-surgical recovery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art support pillows are used, then arm support is provided, but they cannot be converted into a sling for use during waking hours
Solution Approach 1:
The arm cradle is designed with an integrated sling attachment that allows it to function both as a sleeping support device and as a wearable sling during waking hours. This multi-functionality achieves convertibility without significantly increasing device complexity, as the sling is attached to the existing cradle structure rather than requiring a separate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the arm cradle and sling into a single integrated unit, where the sling is attached to the cradle structure. This combination allows the device to be used continuously from sleep to waking hours without requiring the patient to switch between separate devices, achieving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple construction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the arm is supported during sleep, then stability is improved, but patient movement is not restricted enough to prevent rolling or shifting onto one side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the arm cradle with an attached sling and positioning structures that work together to both support the arm and restrict patient movement. The sling and cradle create a unified support system that immobilizes the arm while the overall structure prevents rolling or shifting, achieving both stability and movement restriction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple protective functions: supporting the arm at proper angles for healing, restricting patient movement during sleep through its positioning structure, and preventing harmful movements that could cause injury. This multi-functionality ensures both arm stability and patient immobilization without requiring separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An arm cradle for holding and stabilizing an arm of a post-operative shoulder surgery patient is provided. The arm cradle has a cradle body having a first concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of an upper arm of a patient and a second concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of a lower arm of the patient. The first concave section and the second concave section may be arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to one another. A fabric cover may be provided for the cradle body. One or more straps may be affixed to one of the cradle body or the fabric cover and used to secure the arm cradle to the patient and/or to secure the arm of the patient in the arm cradle.