Dynamic Arm Brace With External Rotation for Frozen Shoulder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, fail to effectively improve mobility and reduce pain and stiffness, particularly in post-surgical settings, and often require surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic arm brace assembly that externally rotates the forearm relative to the torso, using a dynamic tensioning assembly to stretch the shoulder capsule, maintaining the elbow close to the torso, and incorporating adjustable components for varying patient sizes and exercise modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical intervention is used to treat adhesive capsulitis, then the treatment can be effective, but the complexity and invasiveness of the treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple functional segments: a torso support member, an arm support member with forearm retaining portion, a dynamic tensioning assembly, and a resilient strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (support, tensioning, stretching) while working together to achieve the overall therapeutic effect, providing an effective non-surgical alternative
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates a dynamic tensioning assembly with a resilient strap that can be adjusted to provide varying levels of tension. The system transitions from a static brace to a dynamic one where the tensioning assembly can be actively controlled to stretch the shoulder capsule through controlled movement, enhancing treatment effectiveness without surgery
2Ease of operation
If the arm brace is designed to externally rotate the forearm to stretch the shoulder capsule, then shoulder mobility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tensioning assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torso support member and the arm support member. It uses a resilient strap that wraps around the forearm to create external rotation torque, mediating the force transmission to achieve shoulder capsule stretching without requiring complex mechanical actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient strap in the dynamic tensioning assembly is designed to automatically generate tension as the arm moves into external rotation. The elastic properties of the strap create a self-regulating system where the tension increases naturally with the range of motion achieved, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms
3Reliability
If the elbow is maintained close to the torso during treatment, then the shoulder capsule is effectively stretched, but the patient's range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The brace applies localized control at the elbow region through the arm support member and resilient strap, which specifically targets the shoulder capsule for stretching. This local quality approach allows the elbow to be held in a specific position relative to the torso while permitting natural movement elsewhere in the arm, achieving effective stretching without completely restricting overall arm mobility
4Adaptability or versatility
If the brace incorporates adjustable components for varying patient sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torso support member and arm support member are designed with universal adjustment capabilities that allow the same brace structure to accommodate different patient sizes. The resilient strap and dynamic tensioning assembly can be adjusted to work with various arm lengths and circumferences, providing a single versatile device that serves multiple patient anatomies without requiring multiple specialized brace designs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brace enhances shoulder mobility, reduces adhesive capsulitis, and potentially avoids surgery by facilitating controlled stretching and exercise, improving range of motion and reducing pain.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic tensioning assembly that externally rotates the forearm support member and selectively sets the angle so as to stretch a shoulder capsule affected with adhesive capsulitis
Implementation Method 2
a resilient strap providing a dynamic force that can be resisted against by the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic arm brace assemblies and methods of use are provided herein. An example device includes a torso connection member securable to a torso of a patient, a forearm support member that couples with at least a forearm of an patient, the forearm support member couples with the torso connection member so as to fix an elbow of the patient proximate the torso, the forearm support member being pivotally coupled to the torso connection member to allow for an angle between the forearm support member and a coronal plane of the patient, and a dynamic tensioning assembly that externally rotates the forearm support member and selectively sets the angle so as to stretch a shoulder capsule (capsule and adjacent tissue(s)) affected with adhesive capsulitis, reducing the adhesive capsulitis.