Convertible Shoulder Surgery Support System with Adjustable Arm Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for shoulder surgery patients do not provide stable support for the surgically repaired arm and shoulder during sleep while restricting movement, and they are not convertible for use as a sling during waking hours.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising an arm cradle, a side bolster, and optional head support, which can be secured to a mat for stable positioning during sleep and converted into a sling using adjustable straps for use during waking hours, ensuring immobilization of the injured arm and shoulder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support pillow is used to support the arm and shoulder, then the patient can sleep in a supine position, but the device does not restrict patient movement (e.g., rolling over or shifting onto one side) which may cause injury to the surgically repaired shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the arm cradle not only supports the arm but also incorporates restraint features (straps and positioning mechanisms) to prevent rolling and shifting. The side bolster similarly provides both support and movement restriction, merging the functions of support and immobilization into unified components rather than separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable elements such as straps and positioning mechanisms that can be dynamically adjusted to provide appropriate restraint while maintaining comfort. The arm cradle allows for adjustable positioning of the arm at different angles while the restraint features can be tightened or loosened as needed, providing dynamic control over the level of immobilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated support pillow is used for sleep, then the arm and shoulder are supported, but the device cannot be converted for use as a sling during waking hours
Solution Approach 1:
The arm cradle is designed with universal applicability for both sleeping and waking positions. It can function as a support device during sleep and be reconfigured as a wearable sling during daytime activities. The side bolster similarly transitions from a sleep-position stabilizer to an arm support component when the device is worn as a sling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through adjustable straps, buckles, and positioning elements that allow transformation between different operational states. The arm cradle can be adjusted from a fixed support position during sleep to a wearable sling configuration during daytime, with adjustable elements enabling smooth transition between these functional states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arm cradle has fixed angles for supporting the arm, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different patient needs or recovery stages requiring different arm positions
Solution Approach 1:
The arm cradle incorporates adjustable angular positioning mechanisms that allow the arm support sections to be tilted at different angles. The first section can be adjusted relative to the base portion, and the second section can be adjusted relative to the first section, enabling dynamic adaptation to different patient needs, injury severities, and recovery stages while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm cradle is divided into multiple independently adjustable sections: a base portion, a first section for the upper arm, a second section for the lower arm, and a third section for the hand. Each section can be adjusted independently to achieve the optimal arm position, allowing fine-tuned customization without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for surgical patients, a convertible support for surgical patients, and a method for providing a convertible support for surgical patients is provided. The support system includes an arm cradle adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle when the patient is in a supine position and a side bolster adapted to be positioned against a side of a patient opposite the arm cradle. The side bolster is adapted to stabilize the patient in the supine position. The arm cradle is adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle conducive to recovery from shoulder surgery when the patient is in a supine position. The arm cradle is also adapted to be worn as a sling when the patient is ambulatory. The arm cradle, side bolster, and an optional head support may be secured to a mat in a temporary manner.