Double Arm Sling Segmentation for ALS Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arm slings are inadequate for ALS patients with arm flaccidity, as they fail to support both arms effectively, leading to increased pain and further muscle deterioration due to uneven weight distribution, which can result in shoulder and neck subluxation.
Innovation Solution
A double arm sling with two pouches and adjustable half-straps that distribute the weight of both arms across the torso, minimizing strain on the shoulder and neck area, and includes additional features like back pads and adjustable straps for comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional arm slings are used to support one arm, then that single arm receives support, but the weight distribution causes increased pain and strain on the neck and shoulder area
Solution Approach 1:
The sling device is divided into two separate pouches, each capable of independently receiving and supporting one arm. This segmentation allows the weight of each arm to be supported separately rather than combined on a single support point, distributing the load more effectively across the torso and reducing strain on the neck and shoulder area.
2Reliability
If conventional arm slings support both arms, then both arms receive support, but the weight is distributed unevenly through the neck and shoulders causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The sling comprises two distinct pouches that can be positioned independently on each arm, allowing each arm's weight to be supported separately. This prevents the combined weight of both arms from concentrating on the neck and shoulder region, thereby distributing the load more evenly across the torso.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends from a single-point support (conventional sling on one arm) to a distributed two-dimensional support system across both arms and torso. The half-straps wrap around the torso to provide additional support dimensions, moving the load distribution from vertical concentration to horizontal dispersion across the body.
3Device complexity
If arm slings are designed for single arm support, then the device complexity remains simple, but the adaptability to ALS patients with bilateral arm flaccidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is segmented into two independent pouches with individual fastening mechanisms, allowing each pouch to be adjusted and positioned separately. This maintains relative simplicity while enabling adaptation to bilateral arm support needs, as each pouch can be independently configured for the patient's specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pouch design creates a universal device that can support one or both arms as needed, adapting to various ALS patient conditions. The same structure serves multiple functions: supporting the left arm, right arm, or both simultaneously, making it versatile for different levels of arm flaccidity and support requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A double arm sling, including two pouches, each of the two pouches configured for individually receiving one of a patient's arms, and at least one pair of half-straps, the at least one pair of half-straps configured to fasten the double arm sling around the torso of the patient. The double arm sling may further include at least one pair of tongues coupled to the two pouches and coupled to the at least one pair of half-straps, a backing portion coupled to the two pouches, and at least one back pad configured to receive the at least one pair of half straps.