Oblong Arm Sling with Forearm Strap for Even Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current arm immobilization devices fail to provide holistic immobilization, cause discomfort due to uneven stress distribution, require frequent adjustments, are difficult to use independently, lack adequate shoulder and elbow support, and are prone to wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

An arm immobilization apparatus with a substantially oblong main body and adjustable location strap, featuring a quick release device and movably coupled short edges, made from hard-wearing, lightweight fabric, which includes a compartment for heat dissipation and provides support for the shoulder and elbow, allowing customizable positioning and independent use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current sling designs are used to support the arm, then the arm receives basic support, but the arm is not adequately immobilized and movement is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization effectivenessVSAvoidarm movement restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sling is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with first and second ends, a location strap with first and second ends, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the body portion provides structural support, the location strap positions the device correctly, and the fastening mechanism secures the arm in place, collectively achieving effective immobilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The location strap is attached to the body portion in advance at predetermined locations, allowing the device to be pre-positioned and pre-configured before use. This preliminary arrangement of components enables quick and accurate positioning on the user's body without requiring complex assembly during application, thereby improving immobilization effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If extended use of current sling designs is made, then continuous arm support is provided, but significant discomfort occurs at the neck and shoulder blades due to substantial loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous support durationVSAvoiddiscomfort at neck and shoulder blades

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is specifically positioned at the forearm region rather than relying on neck and shoulder blade support. This localized fastening approach concentrates the immobilization function at the arm level, eliminating the need for the neck and shoulder blades to bear substantial loading, thereby enabling continuous support duration without causing discomfort at the neck and shoulder blade areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If current strap designs are used, then the arm is secured to the body, but the straps require regular re-adjustment and re-attachment after extended usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm securing effectivenessVSAvoidtime for re-adjustment and re-attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is designed to provide excessive securing force at the forearm region, ensuring that the arm remains firmly immobilized throughout extended usage without loosening. This over-engineered fastening approach compensates for any potential relaxation of the strap material over time, eliminating the need for re-adjustment and re-attachment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is designed to maintain continuous securing pressure on the arm throughout extended usage periods. The configuration ensures that the fastening force remains constant and effective without degradation, allowing the device to provide uninterrupted arm immobilization without requiring periodic intervention for re-adjustment or re-attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Device complexity

If thin straps are used for current designs, then the device structure is simple, but localized pressure is exerted causing discomfort over extended duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap structure simplicityVSAvoidlocalized pressure discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism incorporates a padded component that acts as a flexible cushioning element between the strap and the user's forearm. This flexible padding layer distributes the securing pressure over a larger surface area of the forearm, eliminating localized pressure points while maintaining the overall simplicity of the strap structure. The padding conforms to the forearm contours, providing comfortable extended wear without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10849780B2Arm immobilization apparatus and methods for wearing the apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 AVALANCHE STUDIO PTE LTD

AI summary

An arm immobilization apparatus (800) is disclosed, which comprises a main body (802) arranged to be of a substantially oblong shape; and a location strap (804) having first and second ends (806a, 806b), wherein the first end is arranged to be coupled to a long edge of the main body, and the second end is coupled to first and second short edges (808a, 808b) of the main body. Corresponding methods for wearing the arm immobilization apparatus are also disclosed.