Torso-Enveloping Arm Immobilization Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arm immobilization devices, such as triangular slings, fail to securely restrain injured arms, especially in individuals with reduced mental capacity, allowing for potential re-injury and hindered healing due to ease of removal and lack of horizontal and downward support.

Innovation Solution

A comprehensive arm immobilization apparatus that envelops the torso and upper body, utilizing multiple fastening devices and flaps to securely attach the injured arm, preventing movement and ensuring stability through fabric materials like cotton or polyester, with optional reinforcement and padding for comfort and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a triangular sling is used to support the injured arm, then the arm is supported in the vertical axis, but the arm can still move horizontally, radially, and downward without restraint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm immobilization reliabilityVSAvoidarm movement restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization apparatus transitions from single-axis (vertical) support provided by traditional slings to multi-dimensional restraint by adding horizontal, radial, and downward support components, effectively constraining arm movement in multiple directions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is divided into multiple functional components including vertical support elements, horizontal restraint elements, radial restraint elements, and downward support elements, each addressing specific movement directions to achieve comprehensive immobilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a triangular sling is used to immobilize the arm, then the arm is supported, but the sling can be easily removed or inadvertently disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization stabilityVSAvoidsling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple restraint functions (vertical support, horizontal restraint, radial restraint, downward support) are merged into a single integrated apparatus that works as a unified system, preventing easy removal while maintaining manageable complexity through coordinated component design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a triangular sling is used, then the structure is simple, but it provides little to no support horizontally, radially, or downward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesling structure simplicityVSAvoidmulti-directional support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The immobilization apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing vertical support, horizontal restraint, radial restraint, and downward support - making it a universal solution for comprehensive arm immobilization rather than a single-function device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3171833B1Arm immobilization apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 WILL DAVID M

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AI summary

An arm immobilization apparatus may at least partially envelope both a patient's torso and the patient's injured arm. The apparatus may include a front flap configured to cover the injured arm and secure it against the patient's torso using at least one fastening device. The apparatus may at least partially prevent patients with less than fully developed, or reduced, mental capacity, from moving the injured arm.