Modular Arm Stabilizer for Precise Elbow Access and Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for supporting an arm during surgical, rehabilitative, or imaging procedures fail to provide adequate stabilization and access to the elbow area, leading to difficulties for surgeons and assistants in performing procedures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular arm stabilizer system comprising a stabilizer bar with detachable attachments, including a wrist support attachment and a reducer attachment, which allows for adjustable positioning and secure fixation of the arm, enabling better exposure and access to the elbow region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional devices use simple support structures like pillows or foam pads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the arm stabilization and elbow access are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The arm stabilizer device is divided into multiple detachable components including a stabilizer bar, base assembly, wrist support attachment, and reducer attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while providing reliable arm stabilization without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer bar serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, allows angular adjustment via the base hinge, accommodates different attachments (wrist support, reducer), and enables both arm stabilization and improved elbow access. This multi-functionality achieves reliable stabilization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional devices use simple support structures, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the access to the elbow area is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The base hinge enables the stabilizer bar to be angularly adjusted to different positions, dynamically adapting the device configuration to provide optimal access to the elbow area. This dynamic adjustability improves ease of operation for surgical procedures without requiring a completely new device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducer attachment acts as an intermediary component that modifies the position and orientation of the arm relative to the stabilizer bar, thereby improving access to the elbow area. This intermediate component allows surgeons to achieve better positioning without fundamentally redesigning the entire support structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional devices lack adjustable positioning capabilities, then the device complexity is minimized, but the precision of arm positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base hinge provides angular adjustment capability that allows precise positioning of the stabilizer bar and attached arm support. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables accurate arm positioning without requiring complex motorized or electronically controlled systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary positioning and securing of the arm in the desired position before the surgical procedure begins. The adjustable base hinge and detachable attachments enable the arm to be precisely positioned and locked in place in advance, ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved during setup rather than requiring complex active control during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
An arm stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and one or more modular attachments that can be detachably secured to the stabilizer bar. A wrist support attachment can be secured to the distal end of the stabilizer bar. A reducer attachment can be secured to the stabilizer bar between the wrist support attachment and the proximal end of the stabilizer bar. The reducer attachment includes a telescoping post with a rest plate that provides a support for applying reduction force to the arm. The reducer attachment can be moved along the length of the stabilizer bar at various angular orientations. A removable wrist pad and a removable brace pad are also provided. In some embodiments stabilizer bar is pivotable about a base to allow the stabilizer bar with attachments to be pivoted away from the patient and repositioned at various points in space during use.