Articulated Elbow Lock Shoulder Brace for Stiffness Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoulder braces are cumbersome, difficult to use, and lead to issues such as stiffness, swelling, and discomfort due to their rigid design, which can hinder the healing process and cause long-term damage to joints.
Innovation Solution
A brace with an articulated elbow lock that allows for neutral rotation and easy mobilization of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, enabling the patient to move their arm freely while maintaining shoulder immobilization, and can be easily put on and taken off without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing braces completely immobilize the upper limb with a circumferential tube, then the shoulder joint is stabilized, but the elbow joint becomes stiff and complications such as edema stagnation, vein thrombosis, and compartment syndrome occur
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into separate functional modules: a shoulder immobilization component and a forearm support component. The forearm support component includes an open structure with a posterior upper arm support that does not completely encircle the forearm, allowing segmentation of the immobilization function to prevent elbow complications while maintaining shoulder stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the brace provide different levels of constraint: the shoulder portion provides rigid immobilization while the forearm portion provides selective support. The open forearm support structure allows circulation and movement in the elbow region while maintaining support where needed, applying local quality differentiation to resolve the contradiction.
2Reliability
If existing braces use straps around the neck and back to immobilize the shoulder, then the shoulder is held in a fixed position, but the patient experiences skin chafing and sensation of strangulation
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic neck and back straps are completely removed from the design. The invention achieves shoulder immobilization through alternative mechanisms that do not require circumferential strapping around the neck and back, extracting the harmful elements while preserving the essential immobilization function through the trunk module and forearm support geometry.
3Reliability
If existing braces maintain the elbow at 90° flexion with the forearm confined in a circumferential tube, then the shoulder is immobilized, but the patient cannot move the elbow leading to stiffness and tissue atrophy
Solution Approach 1:
The brace transitions from a static, completely rigid structure to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The open forearm support structure and articulated elbow lock mechanism enable the elbow to move while the shoulder remains immobilized, providing dynamic adaptability that resolves the contradiction between immobilization and movement capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing braces are designed with multiple sizes for different patients, then each patient can find a fitting brace, but the design and manufacture costs increase and hospitals must stock many different sized braces
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates adjustable components and modular design elements that allow a single base model to adapt to different patient sizes and requirements. The trunk module, forearm support module, and articulated elbow lock can be adjusted to accommodate various arm lengths and circumferences, providing universal applicability while simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace for restricting the movement of a shoulder joint, the brace including a trunk module attachable to a human body, wherein the trunk module includes a strap for attaching the brace to the body; and at least one first part of a locking mechanism; a forearm module pivotable relative to the trunk module, the forearm module further including a second part of a locking mechanism capable of engaging and disengaging with said first part of the locking mechanism; and a posterior upper arm support attached to the trunk module in a fixed position; wherein in a first orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is engaged with the second part of the locking mechanism; and wherein in a second orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is disengaged from the second part of the locking mechanism.