Hip-Supported Arm Brace for Stable Immobilization and Hand Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm braces and slings cause discomfort and limited functional support due to neck or shoulder strap suspension, lack of rotational stability, and inadequate hand positioning, making them uncomfortable for various activities and sleep positions.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing arm brace with a contoured elastic arm pad supported by a hip-hinged structure, secured with waist and leg straps, allowing adjustable positioning and rotational stability, enabling the hand to be functional and comfortable for tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strap wraps around the neck or opposing shoulder to suspend the arm weight, then the arm can be immobilized and supported, but neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the neck and shoulder strap from the device entirely, extracting the harmful suspension method. Instead, the arm support is attached to a waist belt, transferring the load-bearing function from the upper body to the lower body, thereby eliminating neck and shoulder pain while maintaining arm immobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waist belt as an intermediary component between the user's body and the arm support. This mediator transfers the arm weight to the lower body, avoiding direct contact with the neck and shoulder areas, thus resolving the contradiction between effective support and discomfort.
2Reliability
If the hand position is held against the torso, then the arm is immobilized, but the hand is not in a functional position for tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the arm support dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The arm support can be positioned at multiple angles and heights, allowing the hand to be placed in functional positions for tasks while maintaining immobilization. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both stability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support is designed to serve multiple functions: immobilization, positioning, and task facilitation. By allowing adjustable positioning, the device becomes universal enough to accommodate both medical immobilization requirements and functional hand use for various tasks.
3Reliability
If a loose fabric sling is used, then the arm can be supported, but the sling clings to and moves with the arm making it difficult to enter and exit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the loose fabric sling entirely, extracting the problematic clinging and moving characteristics. Instead, a rigid or semi-rigid arm support structure is used, which does not cling to the arm and allows easy insertion and removal while maintaining support.
4Reliability
If prior art shoulder immobilizers are used while standing or sitting, then the arm is supported, but discomfort and injury risk occur when repositioning or lying on side
Solution Approach 1:
The waist belt serves as a stable intermediary anchor point that remains fixed relative to the body's center of gravity. This allows the arm support to move with the arm while the connection point stays stable, preventing discomfort and injury during position changes including lying on the side.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to different body positions. The adjustable positioning allows the support to maintain proper alignment whether the user is standing, sitting, or lying down, thereby eliminating discomfort and injury risk associated with fixed-position immobilizers.
Data Source
AI summary
The arm brace supports an injured arm during rehabilitation. The arm brace has a wrap member, an arm support member, and an arm sleeve member. The wrap member is secured around a hip and a thigh of a user. The arm support member is secured to a side of the wrap member with couplings including V straps. This configuration provides a platform structure that supports the arm sleeve that partially surrounds and protects the forearm. The arm brace does not require a shoulder strap, a neck strap for support and any other upper body supports. The brace provides a stable support structure that immobilizes the arm regardless of the position of the patient. The hand extends out from a front end of the brace so the user can perform activities such as eating, typing, and grasping.