Achilles Heel Wedge With Convex Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating and rehabilitating Achilles tendon ruptures often cause unwanted stretching of the tendon, increasing the risk of re-rupture and are uncomfortable and inconvenient due to poor fit and lack of natural support.
Innovation Solution
An Achilles heel wedge with a convex portion that curves along the longitudinal axis, providing natural support under the arch of the foot and a ramped edge to distribute pressure, along with a removable design to customize height and reduce pressure points, enhancing comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Achilles heel wedges with straight angled shapes are used, then the tendon can be stretched during healing, but the fit between the wedge and foot is unnatural causing user discomfort and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge incorporates a convex portion with a curved surface that matches the natural contour of the foot's longitudinal arch. This curved geometry replaces the conventional straight angled shape, allowing the wedge to conform to the foot's anatomy while providing the necessary elevation and tendon stretching force during rehabilitation
2Stress or pressure
If conventional Achilles heel wedges are used, then the foot can be positioned in plantar flexion, but pressure is concentrated on discrete areas causing pressure points and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The convex portion's curved surface distributes the load across a broader area of the foot's longitudinal arch rather than concentrating pressure on discrete points. This curved geometry naturally spreads the force distribution, reducing pressure points and associated pain during use
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wedge design is fixed with single height, then the foot position is consistent, but the tendon cannot be incrementally stretched as healing progresses
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is divided into multiple detachable sections of varying heights. This segmentation allows the wedge to be reconfigured by adding or removing sections, enabling progressive adjustment of the overall height to match the patient's healing progression while maintaining structural integrity and consistent foot positioning during each phase
4Strength
If conventional Achilles heel wedges are used, then the tendon repair can be supported, but additional and possibly harmful stress is applied to the foot and ligaments
Solution Approach 1:
The curved convex portion distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the foot's longitudinal arch and supporting structures. This geometric design reduces stress concentration on vulnerable ligaments and tendons while maintaining the necessary plantar flexion position for Achilles tendon repair
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge provides targeted support at the longitudinal arch through the convex portion while the ramped edge provides the necessary elevation. This localized quality of support ensures the foot and ligaments receive appropriate cushioning and stress distribution at critical areas
Data Source
AI summary
An Achilles heel wedge has a front part, a back part, and a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction between the front part and the back part. A first wedge section defines a bottom surface and a top surface. The top surface of the first wedge section forms a convex portion curving along the longitudinal axis and extending between side portions of the first wedge section. The convex portion is positionable under the longitudinal arch of a user's foot during use. A second wedge section is removably attachable to the bottom surface of the first wedge section. The second wedge section defines substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces and a ramped edge at or near a front of the second wedge section. The ramped edge extends downwardly and forwardly relative to the first wedge section and the top surface of the second wedge section.