Achilles Tendon Orthosis Compression Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Achilles tendon orthoses lack effective mechanical interaction with the foot, inadequate pressure distribution, and limited adjustability, which can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy.
Innovation Solution
The Achilles tendon orthosis features a compression structure with adjustable biasing mechanism, allowing for controlled compression forces applied anterior to the mid-portion tendon, reducing neovascularization and alleviating pain through targeted pressure application, while being adaptable to different anatomies and adjustable for optimal fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If compression structure applies pressure to the foot, then vascularization and pain are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to adjustable biasing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis incorporates an adjustable biasing mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the compression force applied to the foot. The biasing mechanism can be adjusted to different degrees, enabling the device to adapt to varying patient needs and treatment stages, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective compression for reducing vascularization and pain, and the resulting device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes in the compression force applied to the foot through the adjustable biasing mechanism. By varying the degree of adjustment, the compression force can be optimized for different patients and treatment phases, achieving effective reduction of vascularization and pain while managing the complexity through systematic parameter control.
2Reliability
If compression structure applies focused pressure, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable biasing mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the compression force to be optimized for each patient's specific anatomy and treatment needs. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances treatment effectiveness while the mechanism is designed to be user-adjustable, balancing the ease of operation with the reliability of treatment outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression structure applies focused pressure to specific areas of the foot anterior to the mid-portion Achilles tendon. The local quality of the compression is enhanced through the adjustable biasing mechanism, which can be fine-tuned to target specific treatment zones, improving treatment effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation through localized adjustment capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression elements are positioned anterior to mid-portion tendon, then treatment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases for adaptation to different anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic positioning of the compression elements relative to the foot anatomy. This dynamic adaptability enables precise application of compression anterior to the mid-portion Achilles tendon while accommodating variations in patient anatomy, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment precision and device complexity for adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes in the position and configuration of the compression elements through the adjustable biasing mechanism. By varying the adjustment parameters, the compression can be precisely applied to the correct anatomical location while adapting to different foot sizes and shapes, achieving treatment precision without excessive device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The orthosis effectively decreases vascularization, reduces tendon thickness, and alleviates symptoms by applying focused, controlled pressure, potentially leading to long-term pain relief and improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The compression structure serves for generating a compression force when applying the Achilles tendon orthosis to the foot. The compression elements are supported by the compression structure and form elongate opposing contact surfaces for contacting the foot in the region of the contact surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
The compression elements are designated for contacting the foot in the region of the contact surfaces... for providing the pressure generating the healing effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an Achilles tendon orthosis (6). The Achilles tendon (6) comprises a compression structure (37) holding two compression elements. A biasing mechanism (46) allows a change of the configuration of the Achilles tendon orthosis (6) between a non-biasing state and a biasing state. The inventive Achilles tendon orthosis (6) preferably applies a compression force to a contact area of a foot (1) at a location anterior to the mid-portion Achilles tendon and posterior to the lower leg and/or ankle joint.