Forearm Elevation Device with Vertical Groove and Strap Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional medical slings fail to maintain the forearm in a vertically oriented position, which is beneficial for healing, and lack solid stabilization, leading to discomfort and increased stress on the upper arm.

Innovation Solution

A device with a padded body and vertical supporting region, featuring a groove for the forearm and a strap for secure suspension, designed to keep the forearm vertically oriented, with optional removable cover and lining for comfort and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional sling is used to support the forearm, then the forearm is supported, but the forearm cannot be maintained in a vertical position for drainage and healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforearm stabilizationVSAvoidforearm positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the support function into separate components: a base for stability, a vertical supporting region with a groove for positioning, and a strap for suspension. This segmentation allows the forearm to be positioned vertically in the groove while the base provides stable support, resolving the contradiction between stabilization and positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal support (traditional sling) to vertical support by introducing a vertical supporting region with a groove. This dimensional change enables the forearm to be positioned in a vertical orientation, allowing drainage and healing while maintaining stable support through the base and strap system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a traditional sling maintains the forearm horizontally, then the structure is simple, but it does not facilitate drainage and healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesling structureVSAvoidhealing facilitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functional segments: a base for stability, a vertical supporting region with a groove for proper positioning, and a strap for suspension. This segmentation enables the forearm to be held vertically to facilitate drainage and healing, achieving reliable healing facilitation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional sling is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it puts additional stress on the upper arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice constructionVSAvoidstress on upper arm

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into a base that bears the weight and a strap that provides suspension, distributing the load away from the upper arm. This segmentation reduces stress on the upper arm while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple component construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base acts as a counterweight structure that provides stable support and distributes the weight of the forearm, reducing the stress on the upper arm. The base's weight and structure compensate for the load, preventing additional stress on the injured area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Device complexity

If a traditional sling is used, then the structure is simple, but it does not provide solid stabilization in a vertical position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesling structureVSAvoidforearm stabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the stabilization function into a base for horizontal stability and a vertical supporting region with a groove for vertical positioning. This segmentation provides solid stabilization in the vertical position, preventing rolling and maintaining proper forearm orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with an asymmetric shape that is substantially triangular or U-shaped, providing stable support and preventing rolling. This asymmetric design enhances stabilization in the vertical position while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8690809B2Hand and forearm elevation device and methods of use

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 SALAS RAFAEL EMERICK

AI summary

A device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The device includes a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove. The patient's forearm is positioned such that the forearm is suspended and supported in the groove of the padded body such that the elbow will rest lightly on the base of the padded body. A strap is attached to the vertical supporting region to secure the forearm. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for using a device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The method includes the steps of providing a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove and placing the forearm in the padded body such that the forearm is positioned and suspended into the groove and the elbow rests lightly on the base.