Curved Linkage Shoulder Brace for Dynamic Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder braces are limited to static immobilization, failing to provide dynamic stretching capabilities necessary for effective rehabilitation of shoulder stiffness, particularly post-operative or non-surgical conditions like adhesive capsulitis.
Innovation Solution
A curved linkage system connecting an arm support to a waist plate of a shoulder brace, comprising multiple curved link pairs with cylindrical joints and elongated bodies, allowing for incremental rotational adjustments and dynamic positional changes, enabling abduction, rotational control, and dynamic range of motion exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a shoulder brace is designed to immobilize the shoulder joint statically, then stability and protection are improved, but range of motion and rehabilitation effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder brace incorporates a curved linkage system with multiple links and joints that enable dynamic adjustment of the arm support position. The system transitions from static immobilization to dynamic adaptability through curved linkages that allow controlled movement while maintaining stability during rehabilitation exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is divided into separate functional modules: a waist plate, multiple curved linkages, and an arm support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide both stabilization and dynamic movement capabilities.
2Reliability
If known shoulder braces are used for immobilization, then protection during surgery is improved, but rehabilitation effectiveness deteriorates due to limited range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder brace is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides protection and stabilization during the post-operative period while simultaneously enabling dynamic stretching and range of motion exercises. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to remove the brace for rehabilitation, improving both protection reliability and rehabilitation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace allows change in positional parameters through the curved linkage system. Users can adjust the arm support position and range of motion parameters dynamically based on rehabilitation needs, while maintaining protective function. The system adapts parameters such as abduction angle and rotational control to match rehabilitation requirements.
3Productivity
If stretching exercises are performed multiple times a day, then range of motion improvement is achieved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The curved linkage system provides dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow users to access multiple positions and angles of abduction without requiring multiple separate devices or complex manual manipulation. The system simplifies the complexity of achieving various therapeutic positions through intuitive mechanical adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a curved linkage system for connecting an arm support to a waist plate of a shoulder brace, the curved linkage system comprising two curved link pairs that each comprise an upper curved link and a lower curved link that each comprise a proximal cylindrical joint and a distal cylindrical joint connected by an elongated body, wherein the two curved links of each curved link pair are positioned in parallel so the proximal cylindrical joints, the elongated bodies, and the distal cylindrical joints are each aligned with each other, the first curved link of the first curved link pair is configured to connect to a support lug protruding from the waist plate through the proximal cylindrical joints, the proximal cylindrical joints of the second curved link pair fit inside the distal cylindrical joints of the first curved link pair when connected.