Armpit Support Asymmetric Wing Design Axilla Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current armpit supports compress underlying structures in the axilla, leading to pain, discomfort, reduced blood flow, and movement limitations, and often require the use of painkillers to mitigate these effects.
Innovation Solution
An armpit support with a central section and asymmetrically extending first and second wings, designed to provide resistance for slight shoulder extension, activating the sternocostal portion of the pectoralis major and inactivating upper trapezius, deltoid, and biceps muscles, thereby reducing compression in the axilla.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If armpit supports are made rigid to provide structural support, then support strength is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to compression of underlying structures in the axilla
Solution Approach 1:
The armpit support features an asymmetric design with a first wing extending in a first direction and a second wing extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. This asymmetry allows the support to provide structural strength while accommodating the natural anatomy of the axilla, reducing compression of underlying structures by distributing pressure more evenly across different muscle groups.
2Device complexity
If armpit supports are made symmetrical to allow single configuration for both sides, then device complexity is reduced, but shoulder joint positioning deteriorates by causing unwanted flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric configuration of the first and second wings allows the armpit support to be fitted to only one side of the body (either left or right), eliminating the need for symmetrical designs. This asymmetry enables proper positioning of the shoulder joint in a neutral or extended position rather than causing unwanted flexion, as each wing is specifically shaped to accommodate the anatomical differences between left and right axillae.
3Force
If armpit supports compress the pectoralis major muscle to provide support, then load transfer is improved, but muscle fatigue and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armpit support applies pressure selectively to different locations: the first wing is positioned to engage with the teres major muscle group while the second wing engages with the pectoralis major muscle. This localized pressure distribution allows effective load transfer to the hip/torso while avoiding excessive compression of any single muscle group, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric wing design allows the support to dynamically adapt to the user's movement and muscle activation patterns. By positioning the wings to engage with specific muscle groups, the support facilitates optimal muscle activation during movement, reducing unnecessary muscle fatigue while maintaining effective load transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device configured to transfer load from a user's armpit to that user's hips or torso which includes an armpit support, wherein said armpit support includes a central section from which a first and second wing extend asymmetrically, such that the armpit support is configured to provide enough resistance to cause and hold a slight shoulder extension.