Cantilever Extremity Support Apparatus for Non-Weight-Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extremity support devices, such as arm and leg slings, cause discomfort and injury due to fabric loops that stress the neck or shoulder, and bulky sponge armrests that are not durable, reusable, or hypoallergenic, leading to skin issues and bacterial harboring, while hands-free crutches can cause knee inflammation and stress fractures.
Innovation Solution
An extremity support apparatus comprising a first cuff, a second cuff, a bridge rod, and a tension rod that form a cantilever support structure, allowing adjustable and secure support of the extremity without causing injury, using hypoallergenic and durable materials with antibacterial fabric coverings to prevent skin discomfort and bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cloth or fabric loop is used to support the limb, then the limb can be isolated and supported, but stress is placed on the neck or shoulder causing additional injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fabric loop component from the support system entirely, replacing it with a rigid bar structure that transfers support forces through the armrest device rather than through the patient's neck and shoulder, thereby eliminating the harmful stress while maintaining limb support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid bar as an intermediary structural element between the limb and the support base, which provides a stable mechanical pathway for force transmission without requiring the patient's soft tissues to bear the support load, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable support and harmful stress
2Ease of manufacture
If bulky self-adhering hook-and-loop fasteners are used, then the device can be easily assembled, but the device is not durable, not storable, not reusable, and susceptible to harboring bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rigid bar with attachment mechanisms that are designed to be replaceable or disposable, eliminating the need for durable reusable fasteners while maintaining ease of assembly through simple attachment and detachment of the bar component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support device into separable components including the rigid bar and attachment mechanisms, allowing the bar to be easily removed for storage and replacement, thereby achieving ease of assembly without requiring permanent durable fastening systems
3Reliability
If traditional crutches or walkers are used, then the extremity can be supported, but knee inflammation or swelling occurs leading to stress fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weight-bearing function from the knee joint by providing support through the armrest device that transfers loads through the upper body and support base, eliminating the harmful knee stress while maintaining extremity support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (rigid bar with attachment mechanisms) that provides a alternative load pathway bypassing the knee joint, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable extremity support and prevention of knee injury
Data Source
AI summary
An extremity support apparatus having a second cuff, a first cuff, a bridge rod attached to the second cuff, and a tension rod attached to the first cuff and to the bridge rod is provided. The extremity support apparatus can place the support a first cuff in a cantilevered manner when a distal portion and a proximal portion of an extremity are supported in respective first and second cuffs. A method of supporting an extremity in a non-weight-bearing manner is also provided.