Shoulder Brace with Roller Mobility Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoulder mobility dysfunction post-stroke leads to weakened rotator cuff muscles, increasing the risk of shoulder subluxation and soft tissue injury due to inadequate joint stability and abnormal synergy patterns.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing and mobility-enhancing shoulder joint brace comprising a shoulder joint brace, elbow brace, mobility strap, roller assembly, and torso strap assembly, providing structural support while allowing arm mobility through a sliding mechanism and adjustable straps for secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shoulder joint is stabilized with a rigid brace, then joint stability is improved, but arm mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates a dynamic sliding mechanism with a mobility strap that can move through a strap groove, allowing the brace to adapt between stable and mobile states. This dynamic element enables the brace to provide stability when needed while permitting mobility during arm movement, resolving the contradiction between rigid stabilization and flexible motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is divided into separate functional components: a stable shoulder joint brace portion and a mobile elbow brace portion connected by the mobility strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the shoulder portion provides stability while the elbow portion allows mobility, eliminating the need for a completely rigid structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotator cuff muscle strength is increased, then shoulder joint stability is improved, but muscle strain and pain may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brace acts as an intermediary mechanical support system that compensates for weak rotator cuff muscles. By providing external structural support through the shoulder joint brace and mobility strap mechanism, the brace reduces the burden on weakened muscles, preventing strain and pain while maintaining joint stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace provides preventive support by stabilizing the shoulder joint before muscle weakness can lead to subluxation or injury. The structural support and alignment maintenance offered by the brace cushion against potential harmful effects of muscle weakness, preventing pain and injury before they occur.
3Ease of operation
If the mobility strap is allowed to slide freely through the strap groove, then arm mobility is enhanced, but shoulder joint stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility strap's ability to slide freely through the strap groove creates a dynamic system that adapts to movement needs. During arm elevation, the strap slides to accommodate the range of motion, enhancing mobility. During stabilizing positions, the strap maintains tension to provide joint stability, resolving the contradiction between free sliding and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizing and mobility-enhancing brace for the shoulder joint is a device for providing structural support to the user's shoulder joint while allowing a degree of mobility for the user's shoulder and the user's arm. The device includes a shoulder joint brace for providing stability to the shoulder as well as an elbow brace for providing stability to the arm. The elbow brace is connected to the shoulder joint brace through a mobility strap and a deltoid connector strap that enable movement of the user's arm. The mobility strap is engaged through a strap groove on the shoulder joint brace and is able to slide over a roller assembly within the strap groove. The shoulder joint brace is also secured to a lateral thoracic brace worn on the user's body via a torso strap assembly. The elbow brace is fastened in place via a plurality of elbow securing straps.