Arm Support with Shoulder Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arm slings cause discomfort and shoulder and neck impingement due to uneven force distribution, leading to non-compliance in patients requiring upper extremity support for healing.
Innovation Solution
An arm support device with a force distribution portion that conforms to the unsupported shoulder, distributing the weight evenly and an adjustable mechanism allowing one-handed conversion between positions to reduce edema, providing comfortable support and easy hand access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow strap is used over the shoulder to support the arm, then the arm support structure is simple, but it causes shoulder and neck impingement and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support device is divided into multiple functional segments: a wide shoulder support portion that distributes weight across the shoulder girdle, a separate arm support portion, and an adjustable connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while avoiding concentration of force on vulnerable areas like the neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion transitions from a narrow one-dimensional strap to a wide two-dimensional surface that contacts the shoulder. This dimensional expansion increases the contact area, distributing the arm's weight across a larger region of the shoulder girdle rather than concentrating it on a narrow strip, thereby eliminating impingement on neck tissues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the arm support position is fixed to provide stable support, then the support stability is improved, but it cannot adapt to different patient needs and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the shoulder support portion and arm support portion incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the support structure to dynamically change configuration. The support can be adjusted between multiple positions including elevated and lowered arm positions, and can be converted between different support configurations to accommodate varying patient needs while maintaining stability in each position.
3Ease of manufacture
If the arm support structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but it lacks adjustable mechanisms for edema management
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable mechanisms are incorporated into the arm support device that enable conversion between different arm positions (elevated and lowered) and support configurations. These mechanisms allow patients to adjust the support to manage edema by positioning the arm at appropriate heights while maintaining overall structural simplicity for ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An arm support for transferring and supporting a force corresponding to at least a portion of the weight of a supported arm. The arm support including a force distribution portion and a support portion. The force distribution portion adapted to conform to the shoulder of the unsupported arm and to distribute the force to the shoulder girdle, while the support portion supports the affected arm. The force distribution portion extends from a first end portion to a second end portion. The support portion extends from a first end portion to a second end portion. The support portion first end portion is located adjacent the force distribution portion second end portion and the support portion second end portion is configured to be adjustably couplable to the force distribution portion first end portion.