Shoulder Support Vest with Adjustable Straps for Controlled Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder support devices often restrict movement of the entire arm, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and non-compliance with rehabilitation exercises, as they fail to provide controlled and adjustable restriction of specific shoulder movements.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder support system comprising a vest with adjustable anchor points and support straps that allow for controlled and adjustable restriction of internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, adduction, flexion, or extension, while keeping the elbow and wrist free, enhancing proprioception, posture control, and muscle training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire arm is restricted using traditional braces, then shoulder movement is controlled, but elbow and wrist mobility is reduced and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the support function by providing separate components for shoulder support (vest with straps) and elbow/wrist support (removable sleeve), allowing independent control of each body part. The shoulder vest controls shoulder movement while the elbow and wrist remain free to move independently, resolving the contradiction between shoulder control and elbow/wrist mobility.
2Reliability
If traditional slings are used for immobilization, then shoulder stability is improved, but muscle activation and early mobilization are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static immobilization to dynamic controlled movement. The adjustable straps and resistance elements allow the patient to perform active range of motion exercises within safe limits, enabling muscle activation while maintaining shoulder stability. The system adapts to different rehabilitation stages by adjusting strap tension and resistance levels.
3Strength
If fixed resistance training is provided, then muscle strength is improved, but patient compliance and comfort during daily activities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service resistance training through the patient's own body movements and gravity. The resistance is generated passively by the strap tension and patient positioning rather than requiring external therapy equipment or constant therapist supervision. Patients can perform rehabilitation exercises independently during daily activities, improving compliance and comfort.
4Device complexity
If one-size-fits-all shoulder slings are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment precision for different injury types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides dynamic adaptability through multiple adjustable parameters including strap length, tension, attachment points, and resistance levels. These adjustments can be customized based on specific injury type, surgical procedure, and patient anatomy while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The versatility comes from configuration options rather than complex mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Shoulder support systems and methods for treatment of the shoulder, where the ability to maintain some level of arm rotation and abduction is desired to promote positive health outcomes and ability to perform activities of daily living. Systems may comprise a vest and at least one support strap. The vest may be configured to cover an upper portion of a torso, shoulders, and at least a portion of upper arms. Pairs of sagitally mirrored anchor points may be positioned on the body and sleeves of the vest. Support straps may be attached to the anchor points. A path of the support straps may transverse the sagittal plane and spiral around an arm. Inelastic or strongly elastic cables may run a length of the support straps. Tensioning mechanisms may adjust the length of the cables to achieve the desired resistive forces for the support straps.