Adjustable Shoulder Orthosis for Humeral Head Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder braces fail to provide effective, adjustable, and customizable support for a wide range of shoulder conditions, including acute and chronic injuries, as they often lack custom-fit, adjustability, and are either uncomfortable or too expensive, leading to insufficient joint stabilization and increased risk of further injury.
Innovation Solution
A customizable shoulder orthosis with a tensioning or compression system that allows users to adjust the direction and magnitude of force applied to the shoulder joint, using 3D scanning for a precise fit and incorporating modular elements, adjustable anchors, and energy storage mechanisms to provide personalized support and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing shoulder braces are used, then joint support is provided, but the braces lack adjustability and custom-fit capability
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder orthosis incorporates adjustable tensioning elements and compression systems that allow dynamic modification of force magnitude and direction. Users can adjust the braces to change the direction and magnitude of force applied across the shoulder joint, enabling the device to adapt to different shoulder conditions and recovery stages while maintaining reliable joint stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis enables parameter changes by allowing users to modify the magnitude and direction of forces applied to the shoulder joint. The tensioning elements and compression systems can be adjusted to change force parameters, providing customizable support for various shoulder conditions including acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery.
2Ease of operation
If existing shoulder braces are used, then some support is provided, but the braces are either uncomfortable or too expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis applies forces locally at specific points around the shoulder joint rather than uniform compression. The tensioning elements and compression systems target specific areas to provide effective joint stabilization while distributing pressure to comfortable locations, improving wearability without sacrificing support effectiveness.
3Force
If existing shoulder braces are used, then basic compression is provided, but the braces lack force control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis divides the force control system into separate adjustable components including tensioning elements and compression systems. Each component can be independently adjusted to control the magnitude and direction of forces applied to the shoulder joint, providing sophisticated force control while maintaining modular simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder orthosis configured to control a position of the humeral head/arm relative to a shoulder joint by adjusting tension across a joint. The orthosis allows a user to modify a direction and magnitude of force applied while wearing the orthosis. The orthosis may contain cams or extensions to direct and amplify force around the joint towards a specific range of motion. The orthosis can be made from digitally imaging joints and then partially or fully automating the design of orthosis.