Shoulder Rotation Device with Angled Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a therapy aid device that can effectively improve shoulder mobility in patients affected by stroke, brain injury, or other medical conditions that reduce shoulder mobility.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder rotation device comprising an upper and lower arm portion connected by a 90° angle connector, with straps to secure the user's arm, hand, and wrist in specific positions, allowing for controlled rotational exercises that aid in improving shoulder mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a therapy aid device is designed to improve shoulder mobility, then rehabilitation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion, and a connector. Each segment performs a specific function - the upper portion engages the upper arm, the lower portion engages the lower arm and hand, and the connector provides the rotational mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve shoulder mobility improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower arm portions. It provides a 90-degree angle joint that enables controlled rotational movement while maintaining stable attachment points. This intermediary component facilitates the therapeutic rotation motion without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device.
2Manufacturing precision
If straps are used to secure the user's arm in specific positions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Straps are applied at specific local locations where they are most needed for positioning - around the upper arm, lower arm, hand, and wrist. Each strap provides localized constraint in the specific area it engages, rather than requiring comprehensive positioning mechanisms throughout the entire arm. This localized approach achieves necessary positioning accuracy while minimizing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the device is designed to keep the user's hand and wrist in specific positions, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with straps and positioning mechanisms that automatically constrain the hand and wrist in the correct positions when the user initiates the exercise. The upper and lower arm portions are pre-positioned to provide the necessary support and guidance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust positioning during the exercise, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring exercise effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A therapy aid device for improving rotation of shoulder complex is provided. The device includes an upper portion and a lower portion joined together by an angled connector. The upper portion is configured to attach to a user's upper arm and the lower portion is configured to attach to the user's lower arm. The lower portion may also be configured to keep a user's hand in a flexed angled position. Using the device, the user may rotate the shoulder and move while keeping the upper and lower arms and wrist in specific positions. For example, the user may rotate his shoulder such that the user's hand and forearm move away from the torso while the elbow generally remain in the same location.