Scapulothoracic Stabilization Device with Figure 9 Strap Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) braces are heavy, cumbersome, and inhibit mobility, limiting their desirability due to size and appearance, which affects their usability for scapulothoracic stabilization and biomechanical alignment.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic device with a lightweight, breathable design featuring adjustable 'Figure 9' strap systems and frictional padding for secure stabilization of the shoulder, scapula, and spine, allowing for improved posture and comfort, including a waist stabilizer and removable plates for enhanced support and compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional TLSO braces are used for scapulothoracic stabilization, then biomechanical stabilization and posture improvement are achieved, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomechanical stabilizationVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The orthopedic device is divided into multiple independent components including a waist stabilizer, removable plates, and separate strap systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength-to-weight ratio, using lightweight materials where possible while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces traditional rigid brace structures with flexible strap systems made of lightweight materials. The straps conform to the body's contours while providing necessary stabilization, significantly reducing device weight compared to traditional rigid TLSO braces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If traditional TLSO braces are used for scapulothoracic stabilization, then posture alignment is improved, but mobility is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposture alignmentVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strap systems are designed to be adjustable and dynamic rather than fixed and rigid. Users can modify strap tension and positioning to accommodate different activities and body movements, maintaining posture alignment while enabling greater mobility compared to traditional rigid braces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows adjustment of multiple parameters including strap length, tension, and plate positioning. This adjustability enables the device to adapt to various user needs and activities, maintaining stabilization effectiveness while improving ease of movement and overall mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional TLSO braces are used for scapulothoracic stabilization, then stabilization effectiveness is achieved, but device size increases making it unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional bulky structural components are removed and replaced with compact strap systems. The essential stabilization function is extracted from large rigid structures and implemented through tension-based strap mechanisms, significantly reducing device volume while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device components are designed to nest together efficiently, with removable plates that fit into the waist stabilizer structure and straps that can be stowed when not in use. This nesting approach minimizes the overall device volume and makes the system more compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If traditional TLSO braces are used for scapulothoracic stabilization, then biomechanical support is provided, but user compliance decreases due to appearance and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomechanical supportVSAvoiduser compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible, form-fitting strap systems that conform to the user's body rather than bulky rigid structures. This creates a more streamlined appearance that is less conspicuous under clothing and more comfortable for extended wear, thereby improving user compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable nature of the strap systems allows users to customize the device for comfort and fit. This adaptability, combined with the lightweight design, makes the device more tolerable for frequent wear while maintaining the necessary biomechanical support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11273067B2Orthopedic device for scapulothoracic stabilization

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 OSSUR ICELAND EHF

AI summary

An orthopedic device is arranged for scapulothoracic stabilization, inclusive of features for biomechanical stabilization of the shoulder, scapula and spine, treated alone or in combination with assembly features for supporting an arm or shoulder. The orthopedic device may be arranged in a garment or shoulder harness such that either may include first and second strap systems for extending over first and second shoulders of a user, respectively, and each of the first and second strap systems forms a “Figure 9” shape about the respective shoulder, with a strap section arranged to extend toward a waist stabilizer that may form part of the orthopedic device.