Convertible Shoulder Strap for Universal Arm Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoulder support systems are cumbersome and costly due to multiple components, which increases manufacturing costs and leads to potential loss or misplacement of parts when not in use, and they lack versatility in configuration.

Innovation Solution

A shoulder support system with a convertible shoulder strap that can be easily converted between a loop and straight configuration using a minimal number of components, incorporating an abduction pad that can be integrated or used separately without additional assembly, and a pouch structure that provides universal fit and easy reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components are used in shoulder support systems, then support functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and components may be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated shoulder support device. The shoulder support includes an arm support portion, shoulder strap portion, and chest support portion that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of loss or misplacement while maintaining comprehensive support functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder support is designed with multi-functional elements that can serve different purposes. The convertible strap can function as both a shoulder strap and a chest strap depending on configuration, and the device can be adjusted to support different arm positions and injury types, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components are used in shoulder support systems, then support functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple support functions into a single integrated shoulder support device. The shoulder support includes an arm support portion, shoulder strap portion, and chest support portion that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of loss or misplacement while maintaining comprehensive support functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder support is designed with multi-functional elements that can serve different purposes. The convertible strap can function as both a shoulder strap and a chest strap depending on configuration, and the device can be adjusted to support different arm positions and injury types, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a convertible shoulder strap is used, then adaptability between configurations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration conversionVSAvoidstrap mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap is designed to be dynamically convertible between different configurations. The strap can be transformed from a loop configuration to a straight configuration through simple user manipulation, allowing the device to adapt to different support needs without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11109995B1Shoulder support system

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 DEROYAL IND INC

AI summary

A shoulder support system includes an arm support configured for supporting an arm of a user; a convertible shoulder strap convertible between a loop configuration positionable around a shoulder of the user or as straight strap positionable to overlie the shoulder of the user; a front strap connectable between the convertible shoulder strap and a front of the arm support; and a rear strap connectable between the convertible shoulder strap and a rear of the arm support. The shoulder support may also include an abduction pad. In which case the arm support includes an elongate flexible extension affixed to the arm support and extendable outward from the arm support and positionable to be folded about the abduction pad.