Tubular Arm Cuff for Reducing Shoulder Impingement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoulder impingement injuries, common due to the shoulder joint's instability and wide range of motion, cause pain and discomfort, especially when moving the arm, and existing solutions like arm slings do not adequately restrict movement to alleviate pain during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A tubular cuff device with adjustable inner and outer radii and length, designed to fit on the forearm, restricts arm movements such as flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation, thereby reducing shoulder impingement by limiting the range of motion to minimize pain and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing arm slings are used to support the arm, then the arm is provided with some support, but the device does not adequately restrict arm movement to alleviate shoulder impingement pain during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff's outer diameter is specifically selected to provide a sidewall thickness that restricts arm movement to reduce shoulder impingement. This parameter change transforms the cuff from a simple support device into an active movement restriction device that prevents the arm from moving into impingement positions while maintaining comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder joint's wide range of motion is maintained, then the joint's functionality is preserved, but the joint becomes prone to impingement injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff applies preliminary anti-action by restricting the arm's range of motion before impingement can occur. The device proactively prevents the arm from moving into positions that would cause soft tissue impingement between the humerus and acromion, thereby preventing injury before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff modifies the effective range of motion parameter by physically limiting how far the arm can move. The outer diameter of the cuff creates a mechanical constraint that reduces the shoulder's range of motion to safe limits, preventing impingement while still allowing functional movement.
3Reliability
If the arm is completely immobilized to prevent impingement, then shoulder injury is prevented, but joint health deteriorates due to lack of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff strikes an optimal balance by changing the movement parameter from complete freedom to controlled restriction. The sidewall thickness is designed to limit movement to safe ranges while still permitting some arm motion, thereby protecting against impingement while maintaining joint health through controlled movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to methods and devices for reducing shoulder impingement for a person in a lying position. The device may comprise a generally tubular cuff having an inner radius defining an open passage through the cuff and extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer radius defining a sidewall thickness between the inner radius and the outer radius, and a length from the proximal end to the distal end. The outer diameter may be selected to provide a sidewall thickness that restricts movement of the arm such that shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation are each limited.