Manual Therapy Arm Support Exoskeleton for Shoulder Strain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual therapy support apparatuses fail to provide adequate support for manual therapists' arms during bent positions, are anatomically restrictive, and cause discomfort and repetitive stress injuries due to anatomical dependency and weight distribution through the armpit.
Innovation Solution
A partial exoskeleton comprising a thoracic support, forearm support, and a telescopically extendible strut that transfers the therapist's body weight through a thoracic support and therapeutic tools, allowing for adjustable and comfortable pressure application without relying on the arm anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support apparatus uses the manual therapist's arm anatomy as the basis for support structure, then the support is tailored to individual anatomy, but the apparatus becomes custom-designed for each therapist substantially increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus uses a standardized exoskeleton structure with adjustable components (struts, supports, cushions) that can accommodate different therapist anatomies without requiring custom design for each individual. The universal design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple therapists with varying arm lengths and proportions through adjustment mechanisms rather than custom manufacturing.
2Strength
If the support apparatus directs weight through the armpit and upper arm support, then the forearm can be supported, but the shoulder joint experiences reactionary strain and the armpit area causes chafing and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus divides the weight-bearing function into multiple segments: the lower arm support handles forearm weight, the upper arm support handles upper arm weight, and the thoracic support handles the majority of body weight transfer. This segmentation distributes the load across different body regions, preventing excessive strain on any single area like the shoulder joint or armpit.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic support acts as an intermediary structure between the therapist's body weight and the arm supports. It provides a stable anchor point on the torso that can bear the reactionary forces, preventing these forces from being transmitted directly through the vulnerable shoulder joint and armpit area.
3Force
If the support apparatus uses a rigid fixed-structure, then force transmission is efficient, but the apparatus cannot accommodate bent arm positions and various treatment modes
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates dynamic elements including telescopic struts that can extend and retract, adjustable supports that can move along the arm, and cushioned contact points that can compress. These dynamic features allow the rigid exoskeleton structure to adapt to bent arm positions and various treatment angles while maintaining efficient force transmission through the adjustable rigid connections.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the support apparatus is designed for extended use, then comfort is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus includes preliminary adjustment mechanisms that allow the therapist to configure the device for different body types and treatment styles before use. Once adjusted, the structure remains stable for extended periods. The cushions and supports are pre-positioned to provide immediate comfort, reducing the need for frequent adjustments during prolonged use.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shoulder joint abduction fixation orthotic device. The shoulder joint abduction fixation orthotic device comprises a forearm support frame, a C-shaped upper arm bracket, an armpit support frame, a line-shaped armpit movable shaft and an adjustable support. The forearm support frame, the C-shaped upper arm bracket and the armpit support frame are integrally formed and used for supporting the forearm, the upper arm and the armpit on one side respectively, the line-shaped armpit movable shaft is arranged between the C-shaped upper arm bracket and the armpit support frame, and the adjustable support with one end connected with the C-shaped upper arm bracket and the other end connected with the armpit support frame is used for adjusting the shoulder joint abduction angle. The shoulder joint abduction fixation orthotic device can effectively overcome the defects of an existing orthotic device and ensure the postoperative effect of shoulder periarticular operations.