Hilotherapy Shoulder Wrap Strap Assembly for One-Handed Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold compression shoulder wraps for hilotherapy are difficult to don and secure without assistance, especially for shoulder injuries where the use of both arms is limited, due to the elasticity of straps and hook and loop fasteners, which makes it challenging to hold the wrap in place while adjusting the straps.
Innovation Solution
A detachable strap assembly with quick connect buckles and a slide or D-ring allows both ends of the elastic straps to be connected to the cover before tensioning, enabling the wrap to be donned and secured without assistance, using hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic straps with hook and loop fasteners are used to hold the wrap, then the wrap can be adjusted and secured to the user, but the elasticity and hook and loop interface make it difficult for the user to don the wrap without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The strap assembly is divided into multiple independent components: elastic straps, strap anchors, quick connect buckles, and slide/D-ring elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the quick connect buckles enable one-handed attachment while the slide elements allow for easy adjustment, collectively solving the donning difficulty without requiring complex integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The strap anchors are pre-attached to the wrap body at predetermined locations before use. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for the user to manually position and secure multiple strap ends during the donning process, allowing them to simply connect pre-positioned anchors to the wrap, thereby simplifying the operation significantly
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strap ends are detached for repositioning, then the fit and compression can be adjusted, but the elasticity of the strap pulls on the wrap shifting it about the user's shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The slide/D-ring element acts as an intermediary between the elastic strap and the wrap body. It provides a fixed attachment point on the wrap while allowing the elastic strap to be adjusted independently. This mediator prevents the wrap from shifting when straps are repositioned, as the slide element remains stationary on the wrap while the strap adjusts around it
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple strap anchors are distributed at different locations on the wrap body, creating multiple equivalent attachment points. This allows the user to adjust straps to different positions while maintaining stable wrap placement, as the distributed anchors provide balanced support that prevents the wrap from shifting to any particular location
3Ease of operation
If conventional elastic straps are used, then the wrap can be secured around the torso, but it requires two arms to hold the wrap in place while adjusting the strap ends
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect buckle mechanism enables the wrap to be donned and adjusted by the user themselves using only one hand. The buckle's design allows for easy engagement and disengagement without requiring the other hand to hold or stabilize components, truly making the system self-servicing for users with limited arm mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The strap assembly incorporates dynamic elements including elastic straps that can stretch and retract, and slide/D-ring components that can move along the straps. This dynamic design allows the straps to self-adjust during the donning process, reducing the need for manual positioning and holding, thereby enabling one-handed operation
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
Enables the user to independently apply and remove the cold compression shoulder wrap using only one arm, maintaining secure placement and easy adjustment, improving usability for shoulder injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The ends of these elastic straps typically use hook and loop fasteners that adhere to the wrap body to provide a quick detachable interface
Implementation Method 2
Cold compression wraps designed for shoulder injuries, use elastic straps that are stretched around the torso to hold the wrap in place
Data Source
AI summary
The hilotherapy wrap includes a conventional removable internal water bladder, an exterior cloth cover enclosing the bladder and a detachable strap assembly that allows the wrap to be donned and doffed by the user without assistance and using only one arm. The strap assembly includes a pair of elastic straps detachably connected to the cover by hook and loop fasteners affixed to a strap anchor and one of the strap ends. The strap assembly also includes a quick connect buckles and a slide or D-ring that allows both ends of the straps to be connected to the cover before tensioned snugly around the user.