Shoulder Restraint with Scallop Strap and Segmented Pillow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapeutic devices for immobilizing the arm or shoulder after surgery are often bulky, uncomfortable, and difficult to use, leading to patient discomfort and mobility issues due to inadequate design and materials.

Innovation Solution

A shoulder restraint device featuring a pillow with a concave medial face and a padded forearm support, combined with a forearm strap and a shoulder strap with a scalloped portion to traverse the clavicle region, providing secure and comfortable immobilization without the need for complex harnesses or assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple foam components connected by hook and loop fasteners and straps are used, then the device provides comprehensive support and immobilization, but the device becomes bulky, overly complicated, and difficult for patients to put on and off without assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a torso support component, an arm support component, and a strap system. Each component can be independently positioned and secured, allowing patients to assemble and disassemble the device without assistance while maintaining effective immobilization through coordinated action of the segmented parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable straps with buckles that allow dynamic adjustment of tension and positioning. This enables patients to easily tighten or loosen components during application and removal, providing both comprehensive support during use and ease of manipulation during donning and doffing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the affected arm extends from the body in an unprotected, spar-like manner, then the device structure is simplified, but the arm is easily caught on obstacles such as doorways and furniture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidrisk of catching on obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm support component is merged with the torso support through an integrated strap system that secures both components simultaneously. This creates a unified protective structure that shields the arm while maintaining overall structural simplicity, as the combined components work together to prevent the arm from protruding in a vulnerable manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the forearm and/or upper arm are encased in a rigid orthotic or sling, then the arm is securely immobilized, but patients experience discomfort due to heat build-up and formation of pressure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization securityVSAvoidheat build-up and pressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible, breathable materials for the arm support component instead of rigid orthotics. This flexible construction allows air circulation to reduce heat build-up while the contoured design distributes pressure evenly across the arm, preventing pressure points. The material flexibility maintains immobilization security through strategic strap placement rather than rigid encasement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The arm support component features varying degrees of padding and support at different locations: increased padding at pressure-prone areas to prevent pressure points, and breathable mesh or open structures in areas prone to heat build-up. This localized variation in material properties addresses comfort issues while maintaining overall immobilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a shoulder strap extends around the neck to rest against the neck or opposite shoulder, then the device provides necessary support, but the strap tends to creep from the shoulder toward the side of the neck where the weight becomes more focused, causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidstrap creep and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoulder strap is pre-configured with a longer length on the affected side than on the unaffected side. This preliminary asymmetrical positioning prevents the strap from creeping toward the neck during use, as the extra length on the affected side accommodates the weight distribution and maintains proper strap positioning throughout the day, reducing discomfort while preserving support function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11179265B2Shoulder and arm restraint

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 XTREME ORTHOPEDICS LLC

AI summary

A therapeutic orthopedic device is described. The orthopedic device serves to restrain and limit movement of a human arm and shoulder. The device comprises a torso pillow, a padded forearm support attached to the pillow and a shoulder strap that traverses the clavicle region of the opposite shoulder. The pillow is positioned to rest against the torso of a user and the strap is positioned over the opposite shoulder. The forearm support acts as a shelf upon which the user's forearm may rest in a natural position. Flexible straps extend from the forearm support, over the user's forearm, and engage with the pillow to secure the forearm.