Shoulder Brace Ringed Strap Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braces for acromioclavicular joint dislocation or distal clavicle fracture fail to maintain the clavicle in its anatomically natural position, causing discomfort, restricting daily activities, and hindering rehabilitation due to straps slipping and improper alignment, which complicates fitting and usage.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder brace with a ringed strap that secures the distal clavicle end to the forearm, allowing the upper arm to hang down along the trunk, with a strap configuration that runs vertically, obliquely, and across the shoulder to stabilize the clavicle and prevent strap slippage, while allowing for natural forearm and hand movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sling or arm support is used to reduce pain in the initial stage, then pain reduction is achieved, but the clavicle cannot be returned to its anatomically natural position and retained there
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple functional components: a body support portion, a shoulder support portion with shoulder pad, a forearm support portion, and multiple straps (first strap linking clavicle to forearm, second strap preventing slippage, third strap supporting forearm). Each segment performs a specific function to collectively achieve both pain reduction and position retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder pad acts as an intermediary element between the strap and the clavicle. It concentrates the pressing force onto the clavicle to achieve reduction while distributing the pressure to prevent skin damage. The forearm support portion serves as an intermediary anchor point to stabilize the clavicle position through the first strap.
2Manufacturing precision
If a strap with shoulder pad is used to press the clavicle, then reduction is achieved, but the strap and shoulder pad move to the outside of the acromioclavicular joint and slip down easily
Solution Approach 1:
The second strap is pre-configured to link the shoulder support portion to the body support portion before the shoulder pad can slip down. This preliminary stabilizing connection prevents the shoulder pad from moving laterally or slipping down during patient movement, maintaining the reduction position throughout the healing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap configuration is designed asymmetrically with the first strap running diagonally from the clavicle area to the forearm, the second strap providing lateral stability at the shoulder, and the third strap supporting the forearm. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes force distribution to prevent slippage while maintaining reduction.
3Ease of operation
If the forearm swings laterally during walking, then natural movement is achieved, but the strap and shoulder pad move toward the outside of the shoulder and slip down from the shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The second strap acts as a counterbalancing element that opposes the lateral movement force generated by forearm swinging. By linking the shoulder support to the body support, it creates a stabilizing counterforce that prevents the shoulder pad from slipping outward during walking or other daily activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace design allows dynamic movement of the forearm while maintaining static stabilization of the clavicle. The third strap supports the forearm to allow natural swinging motion, while the second strap simultaneously provides dynamic stabilization to prevent the shoulder pad from slipping during these movements.
4Reliability
If conventional braces restrict daily activities to maintain stability, then clavicle position is maintained, but restrictions on activities of daily living and rehabilitation are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The brace applies stabilization forces locally at specific points: the shoulder pad presses locally on the clavicle for reduction, the first strap locally links the clavicle to the forearm for position maintenance, and the third strap locally supports the forearm. This localized approach maintains clavicle position while allowing broader freedom of movement compared to conventional full-arm immobilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder brace for non-surgical treatment that is capable of immobilizing an upper arm of a patient having acromioclavicular joint dislocation or a distal clavicle fracture. The brace enables activities of daily living for the patient and relieves uneasiness/discomfort. The shoulder brace includes a strap utilized for reduction, the strap forming a loop made in series by a section which runs down vertically from the front of the acromioclavicular joint toward the ulnar side of the forearm, a section which runs across a forearm trough, a section which runs up from the radial side of the forearm windingly across the front of the upper arm to the back of the shoulder, and a section which runs across from the back to the front over the shoulder pad and reaches to the acromioclavicular joint part. The shoulder brace is fitted to a patient in the extremity position where the upper arm hangs down, and the strap runs crossly or twistingly to stably retain the reduction.