Unobtrusive Elbow Brace Integrated Into Shoulder Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mitigating 'tech neck' and related discomfort from using portable electronic devices are cumbersome, obtrusive, and costly, failing to provide effective ergonomic support for the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists.
Innovation Solution
An unobtrusive elbow brace with a length-adjustable shoulder strap assembly and a flexible bag assembly featuring a frustoconical elbow-receiving sleeve made of elastomer material, integrated into a shoulder bag design, allowing for adjustable support and comfort during device use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a harness or back frame with cantilever structure is used to support the device at eye level, then the device can be positioned ergonomically, but the device becomes cumbersome and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the device holder with a shoulder bag, integrating two separate functions (device support and carrying bag) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate harnesses or back frames while maintaining ergonomic device positioning through the bag's natural carrying position.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder bag serves multiple functions: it acts as both a carrying bag for personal items and an ergonomic device holder. The device can be positioned at an ergonomically correct height and angle while the bag simultaneously provides storage and can be worn comfortably on the shoulder.
2Reliability
If a device holder with harness or back frame is used, then the device can be supported at eye level, but the size and weight makes them difficult to store and carry around
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the device holder function with a shoulder bag, the solution provides reliable device support while maintaining portability and ease of storage. The shoulder bag is a common, easily transportable item that can be stored in vehicles, offices, or homes without special accommodation.
3Ease of operation
If a complex harness or back frame structure is used, then the device can be positioned ergonomically, but the relative complexity makes them costly and time-consuming to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by using a shoulder bag instead of a complex harness or back frame. The bag requires no assembly or adjustment - it simply needs to be worn on the shoulder, and the device is naturally positioned at the correct ergonomic height and angle.
4Reliability
If conventional arm slings are used to support the forearm, then the arm can be restricted for injury, but they do not support the forearm upright and provide ergonomically unsatisfactory positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the forearm horizontally across the abdomen as in conventional slings, this invention positions the device vertically at the side of the body. This vertical orientation allows the forearm to be supported in an upright position, improving ergonomics while maintaining injury protection.
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 elbow brace maintains an upright posture, reducing neck and back pain by supporting the elbow and forearm, while being compact and easy to use, thus addressing the ergonomic shortcomings of prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an elbow-receiving sleeve formed of flexible sheet-like material... in the open state the elbow-receiving sleeve having with a generally frustoconical form... in the closed state the elbow-receiving sleeve is flattened
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow brace for supporting a wearer's elbow in a desired position when using a portable electronic device to mitigate “tech neck” is made unobtrusive by incorporation into a shoulder bag having a length-adjustable shoulder strap. A flexible bag assembly comprises opposite first and second panels of flexible sheet-like material connected to define an interior compartment having a volume. An upper bag mouth is disposed between edges of the panels, with fastenings connecting its opposite ends of the edges. An elbow-receiving sleeve of flexible sheet-like material is attached in the upper bag mouth and can be opened into a generally frustoconical form, for supporting a bent elbow such that, in use, both forearm and upper arm extend from an outer end elbow-receiving sleeve. In a closed state the elbow-receiving sleeve is flattened such that opposing halves of the elbow-receiving sleeve come together.