Bifurcated Shoulder Saddle Arm Sling for Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional arm slings cause unnatural stress and strain on the neck, trapezius, clavicle, and AC joint due to the concentration of weight-bearing forces, leading to inconsistent use, prolonged rehabilitation, and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated shoulder saddle strap system that distributes the weight of the injured arm across the upper and lateral portions of the shoulder, using a concavely formed intermediate fabric to stabilize and disseminate forces, thereby reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single strap is used to support the injured arm, then the sling structure is simple, but the weight-bearing force concentrates on the neck and trapezius causing stress and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The single strap is divided into a bifurcated strap system with two separate straps: one extending over the upper outer region of the shoulder and another around the side of the shoulder. This segmentation distributes the weight-bearing force across different regions of the shoulder, eliminating concentration of stress on the neck and trapezius while maintaining structural simplicity
2Force
If the strap passes over the neck to support the arm, then the sling can provide support, but it causes unnatural stress and strain on the neck, trapezius, clavicle and AC joint
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element of the strap passing over the neck is extracted and removed from the design. Instead, the bifurcated strap system anchors forces laterally to the lower deltoid and distributes them across the shoulder region, completely eliminating stress on the neck, trapezius, clavicle and AC joint while preserving the necessary support function
3Force
If forces are applied across the clavicle and trapezius, then the sling can support the arm weight, but it causes regional pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution is shifted from a vertical dimension (passing over the neck and across the clavicle) to a lateral dimension (anchoring to the lower deltoid and distributing across the shoulder). This dimensional change redirects the weight-bearing forces away from pain-sensitive areas like the clavicle and trapezius to the more tolerant deltoid region, eliminating regional pain while maintaining support
Data Source
AI summary
A shouldered arm sling provided for treatment of various injuries to the arm, wrist, hand, of a patient, during convalescence, the sling includes primary straps and a saddle-style member, connecting with the front and back straps of the sling, the saddle-style member having a pair of straps, one strap rests upon the upper shoulder of the patient, the second strap rests upon the lateral side of the patient's shoulder, and the bifurcated straps have a flexible fabric type member connecting intermediately thereof, in order to provide for the dissemination of the generated forces on the shoulder from the weight of the arm being supported during its healing. The flexible fabric forms the saddle strap into a concaved configuration, to ergonomically fit upon the upper segment of the supporting shoulder, to add stability and comfort to the patient. A supplemental strap secures auxiliary to the primary straps, and prevents lateral shifting of the entire saddle when the supporting shoulder's arm is lifted above the head.