A calcaneal alignment guided foot development support system for children

Abstract

The application discloses a calcaneus force line guiding type child foot development support system integrated in a child shoe, which comprises: a heel shaping cup for calcaneus guiding, the heel shaping cup having a guiding piece extending downward along the back of the child shoe, and a connecting piece extending to the inside of the shoe by bending relative to the guiding piece, and the heel shaping cup circumferentially surrounds the back; and a support mechanism arranged on the inner surface of the heel towards the inside of the shoe and connected with the connecting piece, when the support mechanism is pressed, the pressure is converted into the tightening force of the guiding piece to the inside, so as to guide the calcaneus. The application cooperates the guiding piece, the connecting piece and the support mechanism, converts the pressure into the tightening force of the guiding piece to the inside when the support mechanism is pressed, generates greater directional tightening force when one side is stressed, triggers the guidance in advance, effectively limits the abnormal displacement of the calcaneus, improves the heel stability, and significantly improves the support and guiding effect on the calcaneus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of children's foot development support technology, specifically relating to a calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system. Background Technology

[0002] In the children's footwear industry, to reduce the risk of ankle sprains and twists during children's sports activities, the industry commonly uses heel reinforcement technology to improve foot and ankle stability. For example, a rigid or semi-rigid heel counter is installed at the heel of the shoe to passively wrap the heel and ankle, limiting excessive inward or outward pronation of the ankle joint. Brands such as Dr. Kong and Genop have adopted a reinforced heel cup design in their children's sports shoes to improve foot and ankle stability and reduce the risk of ankle sprains. In addition, existing patented technologies also disclose various heel support structures, such as embedding a heel counter inside the heel of the shoe to stabilize the heel, or embedding a rigid protective plate in the heel to wrap the ankle area and achieve a supporting and corrective effect.

[0003] However, most existing heel support structures are independently designed reinforcements (such as heel counters and protective plates), which can only provide passive support functions such as wrapping the ankle and limiting excessive pronation. They are difficult to actively guide the calcaneus according to the dynamic force applied by the wearer during walking and cannot be linked with the pressure state of the sole.

[0004] Moreover, existing heel supports typically employ a rigid, monolithic structure, which, while providing stability, suffers from insufficient adaptability and struggles to actively tighten inward under pressure to dynamically guide the calcaneus.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system to solve the technical problem that it is difficult to dynamically guide the calcaneus during the wearing process in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system. By setting up a guide that surrounds the heel counter in the circumferential direction, a connector that bends and connects to the guide, and a support mechanism located on the inner surface of the heel and connected to the connector, when the support mechanism is compressed, the pressure is converted into a tightening force on the guide inward through the connector, thereby achieving dynamic guidance of the calcaneus. This solves the technical problem of the difficulty in actively guiding the calcaneus according to dynamic force during wearing.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system, integrated into children's shoes, includes: A heel support cup for calcaneal guidance, the heel support cup having a guide extending downward along the heel counter of the child's shoe, and a connector extending inward relative to the guide, the heel support cup circumferentially surrounding the heel counter; The support mechanism is located on the inner surface of the shoe facing the heel and is connected to the connector. When the support mechanism is compressed, the force is converted into an inward tightening force on the guide through the connector, thereby guiding the calcaneus.

[0008] The calcaneal force line guided pediatric foot development support system used in this invention also has the following additional technical features: Both the guide and the connector have a base layer made of shape memory polymer material. The bending stiffness of the base layer is greater than that of the support structure.

[0009] The base layer of the connector has at least one recessed clearance opening, forming multiple connecting segments, so that when the support mechanism is compressed, the connecting segments can drive the guide to tighten inward.

[0010] The guide also has a gasket on its inner side, and the gasket is detachably connected to the base layer.

[0011] The pads are silicone sheets of varying hardness to enhance guidance of the pressure applied to the calcaneus; and / or, The pads are silicone sheets of varying thicknesses to adjust the space inside the shoe.

[0012] The guide member surrounds the heel counter in a circumferential direction and has a first guide portion located on the left side of the shoe, a second guide portion located on the right side of the shoe, and a third guide portion located on the rear side of the shoe. The third guide portion connects the first guide portion and the second guide portion. At least the first guide portion and the second guide portion are provided with a micro airbag array to regulate the guiding force applied to the calcaneus by inflating and deflating the micro airbag array.

[0013] The micro-airbag arrays of the first and second guide parts operate independently to independently adjust the guiding force applied to the calcaneus.

[0014] The system also includes a multi-dimensional force line detection module, used to collect plantar pressure distribution data and / or calcaneal offset data relative to the heel cup, in order to determine the calcaneal force line deviation index and apply guiding force to the calcaneal through the heel cup.

[0015] The multi-dimensional force line detection module has the following features: A flexible pressure sensor array integrated into the heel is used to collect pressure distribution data in the heel area; and / or, A thin-film strain sensor, installed on the inner wall of the heel cup, is used to detect the offset angle and amount of the calcaneus.

[0016] The second aspect of this invention employs a children's shoe, comprising an upper and a sole. The upper has a heel counter, and the sole has a heel. The children's shoes also include the system integrated into the heel counter and heel.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: 1. In this invention, by setting a connector between the guide and the support mechanism, when the support mechanism is under pressure (i.e., during the heel strike phase when a child is standing or walking), this pressure is converted into an inward tightening force on the guide through the connector. This allows the heel shaping cup to tighten according to the wearer's real-time force state, achieving dynamic guidance of the calcaneus. This couples the heel support function of the shoe with the wearer's gait in real time. When the support mechanism is under pressure, the pressure is transmitted along the connector to the guide, causing the guide to generate an inward tightening force, thereby guiding the calcaneus.

[0018] Furthermore, when force is applied to one side of the support mechanism, the force line of the child's calcaneus tilts, resulting in a greater force transmitted to the guide on the force-affected side, and a greater tightening force on the guide on the force-affected side. In contrast, in existing technologies, the shoe upper only provides support to the child's calcaneus under compression after the calcaneus has displaced and touched the shoe upper. This application triggers the guiding force of the guide earlier when the support mechanism is compressed, effectively limiting abnormal displacement of the calcaneus within the shoe cavity and improving heel stability during walking and exercise.

[0019] In addition, the guide surrounds the rear side in a circumferential direction, forming a circumferential wrap around the calcaneus from the rear and sides, which further tightens the circumferential structure inward, providing a more comprehensive and closer fit to the calcaneus.

[0020] This invention achieves the transmission of pressure from the support mechanism to the inward tightening of the guide by the coordinated cooperation of the guide, connector and support mechanism. This allows the heel shaping cup to dynamically guide the calcaneus according to the pressure state of the heel during the wearer's walking, thus improving the support and guidance effect of children's shoes on the calcaneus. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the calcaneal force line guided pediatric foot development support system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heel shaping cup according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] in: 1. Heel shaping cup; 11. Guide component; 111. First guide section; 112. Second guide section; 113. Third guide section; 12. Connector; 121. Clearance opening; 122. Connecting section; 13. Base layer; 14. Gasket; 2. Supporting institutions. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of the present invention, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0024] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "inner side", "towards the inner side", "inside the shoe", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation of the children's shoes in the normal wearing state, that is, the side facing the wearer's foot is the inner side, and the side away from the wearer's foot is the outer side.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system, integrated into children's shoes, includes: A heel shaping cup 1 for guiding the calcaneus, the heel shaping cup 1 having a guide 11 extending downward along the back of the child's shoe, and a connector 12 extending into the shoe relative to the guide 11, the heel shaping cup 1 circumferentially surrounding the back of the shoe. Support mechanism 2 is disposed on the inner surface of the shoe facing the heel and connected to connector 12. When the support mechanism 2 is compressed, the force is converted into an inward tightening force by the connector 12 to guide the guide 11.

[0027] This application provides a calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system, which is integrated into a children's shoe. The children's shoe includes an upper and a sole. The upper has a heel counter located in the heel area, and the sole has a heel area corresponding to the heel counter. The system mainly consists of two parts: a heel support cup 1 and a support mechanism 2.

[0028] The heel support cup 1 is the core structural component used to guide the calcaneus, and it has two functional parts: a guide 11 and a connector 12. The guide 11 extends downward along the heel counter of the children's shoe and wraps around the counter in a circumferential direction, thereby forming a wrap-around structure for the calcaneus in the heel area of ​​the shoe. The connector 12 bends relative to the guide 11 and extends into the shoe, connecting the guide 11 to the support mechanism 2. The guide 11 and the connector 12 can be a single molded structure, or they can be fixedly connected by means of adhesive or other methods.

[0029] The support mechanism 2 is located on the inner surface of the shoe facing inwards from the heel, that is, on the insole of the shoe at the position corresponding to the heel. The support mechanism 2 is connected to the connector 12 of the heel shaping cup 1, and the connection between the two can be achieved by means of hot pressing, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding or sewing to achieve a firm bond.

[0030] When a child stands wearing the shoes of this system, their weight is transferred to the support mechanism 2 via the calcaneus. Under vertical pressure, the support mechanism 2 undergoes compressive deformation, which is converted into a bending moment on the lower edge of the guide 11 through the mechanical coupling of the connector 12. Because the connector 12 is bent relative to the guide 11, the vertical pressure on the support mechanism 2 generates a torque in the connector 12. This torque forces the guide 11 to rotate or displace inward, thereby applying an inward tightening force to the calcaneus.

[0031] As the gait cycle progresses during a child's walking, the force on the heel changes periodically. During heel strike, the calcaneus experiences a significant vertical impact force. At this time, the support mechanism 2 is compressed to its maximum, the torque transmitted by the connector 12 is at its maximum, and the inward tightening force of the guide 11 also reaches its peak, providing the strongest stable wrapping for the calcaneus. This allows the tightening force of the guide 11 to automatically change with the gait cycle, achieving dynamic adaptive guidance for the calcaneus.

[0032] Furthermore, when the calcaneal force line of a child's foot tilts, the compression of the force-bearing side (such as the left side) of the support mechanism 2 is greater than that of the other side. The corresponding connecting segment 122 will transmit a greater pulling force to the guide part on the same side, causing the guide part on that side to produce a greater tightening displacement, thereby forming a targeted corrective force on the calcaneus.

[0033] Furthermore, when the support mechanism 2 is compressed, the tightening of the guide 11 occurs instantly. At the moment the pressure is generated, the tightening force is transmitted to the guide 11 through the connector 12, causing the heel shaping cup 1 to begin tightening before the heel fully touches the ground. In existing technologies, the calcaneus of a child's foot needs to touch the shoe upper before the upper generates support for the calcaneus under passive compression, resulting in a certain response lag. In contrast, this system effectively limits abnormal displacement of the calcaneus within the shoe cavity, improving the dynamic stability of the heel during walking.

[0034] Specifically, the guide 11 is the part of the heel shaping cup 1 that directly contacts the posterior side and inner and outer sides of the calcaneus. Its basic function is to form a circumferential wrap around the calcaneus. The guide 11 extends downward along the contour of the posterior side, and the whole has an arc-shaped structure adapted to the shape of the child's calcaneus.

[0035] In one embodiment, the guide 11 has a U-shaped or C-shaped wrapping structure that wraps around the calcaneus from the rear and both sides. The U-shaped structure opens forward, matching the posterior and lateral curvature of the calcaneus. The height of the guide 11 can be adjusted according to the child's age and shoe type: for infant shoes, the height of the guide 11 can be set to cover one-half to two-thirds of the calcaneus height; for preschool children's athletic shoes, the height of the guide 11 can be appropriately increased to provide more adequate lateral support.

[0036] The wall thickness of the guide 11 can be designed according to structural strength and lightweight requirements. In one embodiment, the main wall thickness of the guide 11 is 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and it can be locally thickened or reinforced in areas of concentrated stress (such as both sides of the calcaneus). The reinforcing ribs can be ribs extending longitudinally along the guide 11, or they can be a reinforcing structure distributed in a grid pattern.

[0037] In addition, the outer surface of the guide 11 may be provided with anti-slip texture or uneven structure to enhance the bonding stability with the shoe upper material and prevent relative displacement of the guide 11 during use. The anti-slip texture may be dotted, grid-like, or wavy raised.

[0038] The connector 12 is a force-transmitting component in the heel shaping cup 1 that connects the guide 11 and the support mechanism 2. The connector 12 bends relative to the guide 11 and extends into the shoe, with its extension direction being approximately perpendicular to or at a certain angle to the extension direction of the guide 11, so that the connector 12 can transition from the heel counter area to the insole area of ​​the heel.

[0039] In one embodiment, the connector 12 and the guide 11 are integrally injection molded, forming a smooth transition surface between them. The bending angle of the connector 12 can be determined based on the angle between the heel counter and the insole of the heel, generally between 90° and 120°.

[0040] The shape of the connector 12 can be designed according to the requirements of mechanical transmission efficiency. The connector 12 is a continuous sheet structure, that is, it extends continuously along the entire width of the lower edge of the guide 11 to form a whole connecting area. The continuous sheet structure of the connector 12 can uniformly transmit the pressure on the support mechanism 2 to the entire lower edge of the guide 11, so that the guide 11 is uniformly tightened inward as a whole.

[0041] Alternatively, the connector 12 can be a segmented structure. The segmented connector 12 allows the guide 11 to produce a more selective tightening effect when the support mechanism 2 is under pressure, through each connecting segment 122.

[0042] The thickness of the connector 12 is less than that of the guide 11 to ensure that the connector 12 can deform appropriately to transmit pressure when the support mechanism 2 is compressed, while the guide 11 maintains sufficient structural rigidity to provide effective tightening force. Specifically, the thickness of the connector 12 is 1mm to 2mm, which ensures sufficient mechanical transmission strength while avoiding unnecessary impact on the thickness of the sole.

[0043] The support mechanism 2 is located on the inner surface of the shoe facing the heel and is connected to the connector 12 of the heel shaping cup 1. The main function of the support mechanism 2 is to bear the pressure applied by the heel and transmit the pressure to the guide 11 through the connector 12, while also providing cushioning and support for the heel area.

[0044] The support mechanism 2 is located in the heel area and is fixed to the upper or lower surface of the connector 12. When the heel of the insole is compressed, the pressure is transmitted to the guide 11 through the connector 12, causing the guide 11 to generate an inward tightening force.

[0045] In one embodiment, the support mechanism 2 is an independent support pad 14, specifically disposed between the inner surface of the heel and the connector 12. The support pad 14 can be made of highly elastic materials such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) foam, PU (polyurethane) foam, or silicone, which have excellent energy absorption and resilience properties.

[0046] The heel support cup 1 is pre-placed in the heel counter layer of the upper, allowing the guide 11 to conform to the inner side of the heel counter. The guide 11 is then fixed between the inner surface of the heel counter and the upper fabric via stitching or heat pressing. The connector 12 extends from the bottom of the heel counter and bends into the sole area. During sole assembly, the support mechanism 2 is placed on the inner surface of the heel and bonded to the connector 12. Finally, the insole is placed over the support mechanism 2, forming the complete shoe cavity bottom surface.

[0047] Alternatively, the heel support cup 1 and the insole can be pre-assembled into a functional module and then inserted into the shoe cavity as a whole. The connector 12 is pre-bonded and fixed to the support mechanism 2, and then the guide 11 is inserted into the rear of the shoe cavity along the inner side of the heel counter, so that the entire module fits tightly into the shoe cavity. This pre-assembly method is beneficial for quality control, improving production efficiency and product consistency.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, both the guide 11 and the connector 12 have a base layer 13 made of shape memory polymer material. The bending stiffness of the base layer 13 is greater than that of the support structure 2.

[0049] This embodiment further enhances the system's personalized adaptability and force line guidance effect by selecting materials and designing stiffness gradients for the heel shaping cup 1.

[0050] The guide 11 and connector 12 of the heel shaping cup 1 are both integrally molded from shape memory polymer material. Shape memory polymer is a smart polymer material that has the ability to recover from a temporary shape to a preset permanent shape under external stimuli. Specifically, a thermotropic shape memory polymer, namely polyurethane-based SMP, is used. Its core characteristic lies in its glass transition temperature. When the material temperature rises above the glass transition temperature, the shape memory polymer changes from a glassy state to a highly elastic state, the material softens and can be reshaped under external force; when the temperature drops below the glass transition temperature, the material returns from the highly elastic state to the glassy state, hardens and fixes the current shape.

[0051] The glass transition temperature of polyurethane-based SMP can be set between 45 and 55 degrees Celsius. First, this temperature is higher than normal human body temperature, ensuring that the shape memory polymer remains in a stable glassy state during daily wear (around 37 degrees Celsius), preventing accidental deformation due to body temperature and thus maintaining the stable support effect of the heel shaping cup 1 on the calcaneus. Second, this temperature is lower than the temperature range achievable by a typical heat gun or hot water, allowing parents or professionals to soften the heel shaping cup 1 and perform shaping operations by moderate heating (such as using a household hair dryer on the hot setting or immersing it in hot water at around 50 degrees Celsius).

[0052] The base layer 13 of the guide 11 and the base layer 13 of the connector 12 are made of the same material, both being made of shape memory polymer. There is no weakening problem at the material interface between the two, enabling continuous mechanical transfer. Since the guide 11 and the connector 12 use the same matrix material, they can soften simultaneously and be reshaped synchronously during the subsequent heating and shaping process, ensuring the consistency of the shape between the guide 11 and the connector 12 after shaping.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that the bending stiffness of the base layer 13 of the guide 11 and connector 12 is greater than that of the support mechanism 2. The support mechanism 2 is the load-bearing component at the pressure input end, and its function is to receive the vertical pressure applied by the heel and transmit this pressure to the guide 11 through the connector 12. In order for the pressure to be effectively transmitted from the support mechanism 2, the support mechanism 2 needs to have a moderate deformation capacity, and generate a certain degree of compressive deformation when subjected to heel pressure, thereby driving the connector 12 to produce displacement or rotation. If the bending stiffness of the support mechanism 2 is too large, its deformation under pressure will be minimal, and it will not be able to provide sufficient driving force for the connector 12, resulting in insufficient tightening force of the guide 11.

[0054] Furthermore, the guide 11 is the functional component at the pressure output end. Its function is to apply an inward tightening force to the calcaneus after receiving the force transmitted by the connector 12. To produce an effective tightening effect, the guide 11 needs to maintain sufficient structural rigidity. When subjected to the force transmitted by the connector 12, the guide 11 itself should not undergo excessive bending deformation, but should convert the force into an overall inward displacement or rotation, thereby creating a clear pushing effect on the calcaneus. If the bending stiffness of the guide 11 is too low, it will undergo bending deformation under stress, and the force will be consumed by internal deformation, failing to be effectively converted into a tightening force on the calcaneus, thus hindering the achievement of the guiding effect.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bending stiffness of the guide 11 and the base layer 13 of the connector 12 is set to be greater than the bending stiffness of the support mechanism 2, thereby realizing an efficient mechanical transformation from heel pressure to calcaneal tightening.

[0056] Support mechanism 2 is usually made of soft materials such as EVA foam, PU foam or silicone, and its compression modulus is generally between five MPa and fifty MPa, which is less than the flexural modulus of shape memory polymers.

[0057] Alternatively, the guide 11 can be provided with reinforcing ribs in areas of concentrated stress (such as corresponding positions on both sides of the calcaneus). The reinforcing ribs can be ribs extending longitudinally along the guide 11 or reinforcing structures distributed in a grid pattern, so as to locally enhance bending stiffness without significantly increasing the overall weight.

[0058] Before first use or in the initial stages of use, parents or professionals can heat and shape the heel shaping cup 1. First, use a heat gun or household hair dryer to evenly heat the guide 11 and connector 12 areas of the heel shaping cup 1, controlling the heating temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius, raising the temperature of the shape memory polymer material above its glass transition temperature. Then, place the heated and softened heel shaping cup 1 inside the shoe cavity and guide the child to wear the shoe, ensuring the calcaneus (heel bone) contacts the inner surface of the guide 11. While wearing the shoe, apply moderate pressure to the outer side of the heel counter, causing the guide 11 to deform according to the child's personalized calcaneus contour, closely conforming to the curved shape of the calcaneus. Maintain this conformation for three to five minutes, during which time the material gradually cools. When the material temperature drops below the glass transition temperature, the shape memory polymer returns from a highly elastic state to a glassy state, and the deformed shape is fixed. At this point, the inner curved surface of the guide 11 has formed a contour highly matched to the personalized shape of the child's calcaneus, achieving a customized fit.

[0059] As one embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the base layer 13 of the connector 12 has at least one recessed relief opening 121, forming a plurality of connecting segments 122, so that when the support mechanism 2 is compressed, the guide 11 is pulled inward through the connecting segments 122.

[0060] This embodiment further enhances the selectivity of pressure transmission and the differentiated control capability of the tightening of the guide 11 by designing the structural form of the connector 12.

[0061] The clearance 121 refers to a void area formed on the base layer 13 of the connector 12, which does not contain the material of the connector 12, thus causing the connector 12 to be interrupted at that location. The clearance 121 can be a notch formed by recessing from the edge of the connector 12 inward.

[0062] By providing clearance openings 121, the originally continuous and complete connector 12 is divided into multiple independent connector segments 122. One end of each connector segment 122 is connected to the lower edge of the guide 11, and the other end is connected to the support mechanism 2. The connector segments 122 are physically separated through clearance openings 121, and there is no direct mechanical connection between them. Therefore, they can deform and displace independently under stress without interfering with each other.

[0063] The shape, number, size, and distribution of the clearance opening 121 can be adjusted according to specific design requirements. In one embodiment, the clearance opening 121 is U-shaped or V-shaped recessed, extending from the free edge of the connector 12 toward the guide 11, dividing the connector 12 circumferentially into multiple main connecting segments 122.

[0064] Since the force on the calcaneus during walking is mainly concentrated on the left and right sides of the heel, while the force on the posterior side is relatively small, the clearance 121 can be preferentially set at the position of the connector 12 corresponding to the posterior side of the calcaneus, while retaining the connecting sections 122 on the left and right sides. This arrangement allows the connecting sections 122 on the left and right sides to independently transmit pressure when the support mechanism 2 is compressed, thereby causing the left and right sides of the guide 11 to produce an inward tightening displacement.

[0065] As one embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inner side of the guide 11 also has a gasket 14, and the gasket 14 is detachably connected to the base layer 13.

[0066] This embodiment further enhances the heel shaping cup 1's ability to wrap and adapt to the calcaneus and the flexibility of force line guidance adjustment by adding a detachable pad 14 structure to the inner side of the guide 11. The pad 14 is located between the base layer 13 of the guide 11 and the wearer's calcaneus, directly contacting the calcaneus or indirectly contacting it through the shoe upper lining. The pad 14 and the base layer 13 of the guide 11 are detachably connected, meaning that the pad 14 can be installed in a predetermined position inside the guide 11, or it can be removed from the guide 11 without damaging any components, and after removal, it can be reinstalled or replaced with another pad 14.

[0067] The shape of the pad 14 matches the inner curved surface of the guide 11. The pad 14 has a curved shape that adapts to the corresponding arcuate contours of the posterior and lateral sides of the calcaneus, allowing it to conform to the inner side of the guide 11 and cover the main area where the guide 11 contacts the calcaneus. In one embodiment, the pad 14 covers the entire inner surface of the guide 11, extending from the posterior side to the left and right sides, forming a complete padding layer. In another embodiment, the pad 14 covers only a partial area of ​​the guide 11, such as only the stress concentration areas on both sides of the calcaneus, or only the area directly behind the heel, to accommodate different functional requirements.

[0068] Specifically, the gasket 14 is a silicone sheet of varying hardness to enhance guidance of the pressure applied to the calcaneus; and / or, The pad 14 is a silicone sheet of varying thickness to adjust the space inside the shoe.

[0069] In one embodiment, the pad 14 is made of medical-grade silicone material. Silicone has good biocompatibility, moderate softness and excellent resilience, and is not likely to cause skin allergies, making it suitable for direct contact with children's foot skin.

[0070] The pad 14 is available in three firmness options: low, medium, and high. The low firmness pad 14 offers a soft touch and good cushioning performance, suitable for everyday light activities; the high firmness pad 14 provides stronger support and more precise force line guidance, suitable for scenarios requiring orthodontic intervention; and the medium firmness pad 14 balances comfort and support, suitable for most regular use scenarios.

[0071] It should be noted that the gasket 14 can be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, slow rebound memory foam, EVA foam, etc.

[0072] In another embodiment, the gasket 14 is available in various thicknesses, such as thin, standard, and thick, and gaskets 14 of different thicknesses can be used interchangeably. By changing the gasket 14 of different thicknesses, the gap between the inner side of the guide 11 and the calcaneus can be altered, thereby adjusting the tightness of the heel shaping cup 1's encirclement of the calcaneus. A thicker gasket 14 is used when a tighter fit is required; a thinner gasket 14 is used when a looser fit is required; and a standard-thickness gasket 14 can be used as a buffer layer after the guide 11 has been heated and shaped to fit closely to the calcaneus.

[0073] The detachable connection is achieved via Velcro. The inner surface of the base layer 13 of the guide 11 is fixed with the hook or loop side of the Velcro, and the back of the gasket 14 is fixed with a corresponding loop or hook side. During installation, the gasket 14 is pressed onto the guide 11, causing the hook and loop sides of the Velcro to engage, thus securing the connection. The advantages of Velcro connections are that installation and removal are very convenient, requiring no tools, and they can be reused multiple times. Simultaneously, the Velcro allows for fine-tuning of the gasket 14's positioning on the surface of the guide 11, facilitating the finding of the most suitable fit.

[0074] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the guide 11 surrounds the heel counter in a circumferential direction and has a first guide portion 111 located on the left side of the shoe, a second guide portion 112 located on the right side of the shoe, and a third guide portion 113 located on the rear side of the shoe. The third guide portion 113 connects the first guide portion 111 and the second guide portion 112. At least the first guide portion 111 and the second guide portion 112 are provided with a micro airbag array to regulate the guiding force applied to the calcaneus by inflating and deflating the micro airbag array.

[0075] This embodiment introduces a micro airbag array on both sides of the guide 11, which enables active, dynamic, and independent adjustment of the calcaneal guiding force, significantly improving the accuracy of force line correction and personalized adaptation capability.

[0076] The guide 11 surrounds the heel counter in a circumferential direction and has three functional parts: a first guide 111 located on the left side of the shoe, a second guide 112 located on the right side of the shoe, and a third guide 113 located on the rear side of the shoe. The third guide 113 connects to the first guide 111 and the second guide 112 respectively, and the three together form a complete U-shaped or C-shaped embracing structure, which wraps around the calcaneus from the rear and both sides.

[0077] The first guide portion 111 corresponds to the left side of the calcaneus, the second guide portion 112 corresponds to the right side of the calcaneus, and the third guide portion 113 corresponds to the posterior region of the calcaneus. This three-section structural design allows the guide 11 to apply differentiated forces to different parts of the calcaneus.

[0078] At least the first guide section 111 and the second guide section 112 are provided with a micro airbag array. A micro airbag array refers to an array structure composed of multiple tiny airbag units arranged in a certain pattern. Each airbag unit is an independent closed air chamber with its own air inlet and air outlet (or shares an air inlet and air outlet channel but is equipped with an independent control valve), and its internal air pressure and expansion volume can be changed independently through inflation and deflation operations.

[0079] A micro-airbag array is embedded on the inner surface of the first guide part 111 and the second guide part 112, that is, the airbag array is located between the base layer 13 of the guide 11 and the wearer's calcaneus. When the airbags are inflated, they bulge inward, compressing the space between the guide 11 and the calcaneus, thus increasing the effective tightening force of the guide 11 on the calcaneus; when the airbags are deflated, their volume decreases, the compression effect on the calcaneus weakens, and the tightening force decreases accordingly.

[0080] The inflation / deflation system of the micro-airbag array includes an air source, air supply lines, and control valves. In one embodiment, the air source is an external, manually operated airbag located on the side of the shoe tongue or upper. The user can inflate the micro-airbag array by repeatedly pressing the manual airbag. The manual airbag is connected to an air inlet valve and an air supply line, which extends along the inside of the upper to the heel area and connects to each airbag unit.

[0081] Specifically, the micro-airbag arrays on the first guide part 111 and the second guide part 112 can work independently, that is, the inner airbag array and the outer airbag array can be inflated and deflated separately without interfering with each other. This independent adjustment capability means that the guiding force of the guide 11 on the calcaneus is no longer a passive and uniform circumferential tightening, but can be selectively enhanced or weakened according to the direction of the force line deviation of the calcaneus.

[0082] When it is necessary to increase the tightening force on the left side of the calcaneus to correct eversion, the micro-airbag array of the first guide 111 can be inflated, causing the inner airbag to expand and increasing the compression of the guide on the calcaneus. At the same time, the air pressure of the second guide 112 can be maintained or reduced, so that the tightening force on the right side is relatively reduced. By adjusting the air pressure difference between the two airbags, the direction and magnitude of the net corrective force acting on the calcaneus can be precisely controlled.

[0083] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system described herein, It also includes a multi-dimensional force line detection module, which is used to collect plantar pressure distribution data and / or calcaneal offset data relative to the heel shaping cup 1 to determine the calcaneal force line deviation index and apply guiding force to the calcaneal through the heel shaping cup 1.

[0084] This implementation introduces a multi-dimensional force line detection module, which enables quantitative monitoring of the calcaneal force line status and data-based closed-loop control, significantly improving the accuracy, adaptability, and intelligence of force line guidance.

[0085] The multi-dimensional force line detection module is a sensing component responsible for collecting biomechanical interaction data between the child's foot and shoe during walking. This module mainly includes a plantar pressure acquisition unit and / or a calcaneal offset detection unit.

[0086] The plantar pressure acquisition unit is used to collect plantar pressure distribution data. In one embodiment, the plantar pressure acquisition unit is a flexible pressure sensor array integrated into the heel of the shoe. This sensor array covers the heel area of ​​the sole, including the heel region, and consists of multiple tiny pressure sensing units arranged in a matrix. Each sensing unit can independently detect the magnitude of the pressure it receives and convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal output.

[0087] The sensor array employs a piezoresistive flexible sensor, which contains a piezoresistive material. When pressure is applied, the resistance of the piezoresistive material changes, and the pressure magnitude can be calculated by measuring this change in resistance. Piezoresistive sensors offer advantages such as fast response speed, easy signal processing, and relatively low cost.

[0088] Alternatively, the sensor array can employ a capacitive flexible sensor. The sensor contains a miniature capacitor structure; when subjected to pressure, the spacing between the capacitor plates changes, causing a change in capacitance. Pressure is then calculated by measuring this change in capacitance. Capacitive sensors offer advantages such as high sensitivity and low power consumption.

[0089] Feature information related to the calcaneal force line can be extracted from the plantar pressure distribution map. For example, the location of the pressure distribution center in the heel area reflects the weight-bearing center of the calcaneus. Under normal force lines, the pressure center in the heel area should be located near the geometric center of the heel region. When calcaneal eversion occurs, the pressure center shifts laterally; when calcaneal inversion occurs, the pressure center shifts medially. The pressure ratio between the medial and lateral sides of the heel area is also an important feature parameter. Under normal force lines, the pressure on the medial and lateral sides is basically balanced, while when calcaneal eversion occurs, the lateral pressure is significantly greater than the medial pressure.

[0090] The calcaneal offset detection unit is used to collect offset data of the calcaneus relative to the heel cup 1. In one embodiment, it is a thin-film strain sensor disposed on the inner wall of the heel cup 1. When the calcaneus offsets relative to the heel cup 1, the pressure distribution and degree of compression of the calcaneus against the inner wall of the heel cup 1 change. The thin-film strain sensor can detect these changes, thereby indirectly measuring the offset angle and offset amount of the calcaneus.

[0091] Thin-film strain sensors can be selected from resistive strain gauge sensors. The resistance value of the metal foil resistance grid inside the sensor changes when it deforms under stress, and the deformation is calculated by measuring the change in resistance. The sensor's sensitive direction should be consistent with the possible direction of calcaneal displacement (mainly varus and valgus) to obtain optimal detection sensitivity. Specifically, a thin-film strain sensor is installed on the inner walls of the left and right sides of the heel shaping cup 1. The left sensor is used to detect leftward displacement (varus), and the right sensor is used to detect rightward displacement (valgus).

[0092] The force line deviation index is calculated by considering both the plantar pressure distribution characteristics and the calcaneal offset angle. The force line deviation index is equal to the first weighting coefficient multiplied by the tangent of the calcaneal offset angle, plus the second weighting coefficient multiplied by the ratio of the pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the heel to the total pressure in the heel area.

[0093] When the force line deviation index is zero, it indicates that the calcaneal force line is in an ideal neutral state. When the force line deviation index is positive, it indicates a tendency for calcaneal valgus; the larger the value, the more severe the valgus. When the force line deviation index is negative, it indicates a tendency for calcaneal varus; the larger the absolute value, the more severe the varus.

[0094] When the absolute value of the force line deviation index is less than the first threshold, the force line is considered normal, and no corrective intervention is required. When the absolute value of the force line deviation index is between the first and second thresholds, it is considered a mild abnormality, and a mild corrective force is applied. When the absolute value of the force line deviation index is greater than the second threshold, it is considered a moderate or severe abnormality, and a stronger corrective force is applied. The specific values ​​of the threshold range can be personalized based on factors such as the child's age, weight, and foot development stage.

[0095] A second aspect of the present invention provides a children's shoe, comprising an upper and a sole. The upper has a heel counter, and the sole has a heel. The children's shoes also include the system integrated into the heel counter and heel.

[0096] Therefore, it can achieve any effect in the calcaneal force line guided children's foot development support system, which will not be elaborated here.

[0097] For any parts not mentioned in this invention, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0098] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0099] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A calcaneal force line guided support system for children's foot development, characterized in that, Integrated into children's shoes, including: A heel support cup for calcaneal guidance, the heel support cup having a guide extending downward along the heel counter of the child's shoe, and a connector extending inward relative to the guide, the heel support cup circumferentially surrounding the heel counter; The support mechanism is located on the inner surface of the shoe facing the heel and is connected to the connector. When the support mechanism is compressed, the force is converted into an inward tightening force on the guide through the connector, thereby guiding the calcaneus.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the guide and the connector have a base layer made of shape memory polymer material. The bending stiffness of the base layer is greater than that of the support structure.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base layer of the connector has at least one recessed clearance opening, forming multiple connecting segments, so that when the support mechanism is compressed, the connecting segments can drive the guide to tighten inward.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide also has a gasket on its inner side, and the gasket is detachably connected to the base layer.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pads are silicone sheets of varying hardness to enhance guidance of the pressure applied to the calcaneus; and / or, The pads are silicone sheets of varying thicknesses to adjust the space inside the shoe.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide member surrounds the heel counter in a circumferential direction and has a first guide portion located on the left side of the shoe, a second guide portion located on the right side of the shoe, and a third guide portion located on the rear side of the shoe. The third guide portion connects the first guide portion and the second guide portion. At least the first guide portion and the second guide portion are provided with a micro airbag array to regulate the guiding force applied to the calcaneus by inflating and deflating the micro airbag array.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The micro-airbag arrays of the first and second guide parts operate independently to independently adjust the guiding force applied to the calcaneus.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a multi-dimensional force line detection module, which is used to collect plantar pressure distribution data and / or offset data of the calcaneus relative to the heel shaping cup to determine the calcaneus force line deviation index and apply guiding force to the calcaneus through the heel shaping cup.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multi-dimensional force line detection module has the following features: A flexible pressure sensor array integrated into the heel is used to collect pressure distribution data in the heel area; and / or, A thin-film strain sensor, installed on the inner wall of the heel cup, is used to detect the offset angle and amount of the calcaneus.

10. A children's shoe, comprising an upper and a sole, characterized in that, The upper has a heel counter, and the sole has a heel. The children's shoes also include the system of any one of claims 1 to 9 integrated into the back and heel.

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