Final year project
Improving shoulder ACL injury recovery by enabling physiotherapy at user convenience… [Read more]
ImBrace / immobilising brace
ImBrace is an orthopaedic shoulder brace for Acromioclavicular ligament recovery in the physiotherapy stage. Designed to offer a range of movement limitation and resistance levels for vertical arm movement; replicating the physiotherapy exercises needed to rebuild strength and mobility in the shoulder joint.
User testing prototype
ImBrace aims to accelerate recovery and give users the confidence to return to soft training sooner than traditional physiotherapy methods; which involve the user raising their arm out and up to 90 degrees while holding an elasticated resistance band. Here immature scar tissue can be overstretched causing pain and delaying recovery.
What's new?
ImBrace is the first orthopaedic shoulder brace on the market thanks to its designs use of continuous cross cabling and body anchoring which allows it to secure itself to the body for effective function. Being the bodies most complex joint, designers previously struggled to mount anything to the shoulder area that could function effectively while not impairing the bodies performance.
Left or right?
Thanks to ImBraces symmetrical design, ergonomic placement of dials and feature layout, the brace is interchangeable between left and right shoulders simply by removing its strap and orientating it the opposite way around.
Does the boot fit?
Although prototypes displayed were constructed from solid plastic and designed for top 5 percentile rugby athletes, the final production product will use flexible Thermoplastic Elastomers allowing for a one size-fits all product which moulds to the shape of the users shoulder for greater support and comfort.
Exploded construction
In a market of four figure electric knee braces and custom orthopaedics, ImBrace's simple construction and use of body anchoring is a cost-effective alternative more users can afford. Internal compression and heating compartments provide support with accelerated healing by increasing blood flow to the area; bringing more nutrients to the ligaments while flushing out injured debris and promoting a faster healing rate by stimulating your natural metabolic rate.
Features
ImBrace users can quickly and easily set their shoulders range of movement by turning the stopping screw above in line with the scale indicating at which degrees movement will be stopped. By using the same resistance bands and colour rating system as traditional physiotherapy, users can quickly put on ImBrace and pick up where they left off.
Visualisation
Eamonn Shiels
I am a dedicated designer devoted to the development and delivery of lasting products solving real world problems.
When it comes to design, I am a firm believer of ‘form follows function’. Throughout the design process user testing and feedback is vital to developing of a product which effectively fixes a problem while satisfying the user’s needs and desires. Once the function is foolproof, fantastic form will follow.
Developing my design skills across two countries has granted me the experience and understanding needed to quickly adapt and deliver within new workspaces, styles and projects. My passion for design makes it easy to perform, I thrive under pressure and in competition while not becoming complacent in fixed positions.
At present, I am exploring graduate job and scheme opportunities which could help me take my drive for design to the next level. I am keen to develop my skills further, learn new ones and build the foundations for a career which would see me contributing to a diverse range of design teams, projects and environments.
Dissertation
Microplastic Malaga: SWOT Analysis of plastic use and disposal in the Spanish Municipality
Final year project
Improving shoulder ACL injury recovery by enabling physiotherapy at user convenience and further injury prevention
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
Experience
'11-'12 Graphics and product design at OverDope London Clothing
'12-'14 Bicycle mechanic at Giant Bikes Radlett
'14-15 Events management at Aldenham Enterprises
'15-'17 Civil Engineering at Addingtons Formwork Ltd
Placements
August 2018 - July 2019
Design Intern, Manifesto Design Marbella
July 2015 - August 2017
Civil Engineering Intern, Addingtons Formworks Ltd.