Adjustable Ankle-Foot Orthosis for Fit and Gait Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) fail to adequately address varying degrees of severity and anatomical differences in patients, often requiring multiple sizes and stiffness options, and do not comfortably accommodate additional conditions such as valgus or varus deformities and instability, while being difficult to adjust for varying activity levels.
Innovation Solution
AFOs with adjustable straps and angular adjustment mechanisms that allow for customizable fitting and easy adjustment, incorporating features like rotary tensioning systems, D-rings, and angular gears to accommodate individual patient needs and activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes and stiffness options are provided to address varying patient needs, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AFO incorporates adjustable components including angular adjustment mechanisms at the ankle joint allowing modification of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion angles, and strap systems with multiple attachment points enabling customization of fit and support levels. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow a single device to adapt to varying patient needs and activity levels without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices in inventory
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes through adjustable strap tensioning systems that modify the stiffness and support characteristics of the AFO. Users can adjust the tension and positioning of straps to change the mechanical properties of the orthosis, transitioning between different support levels and fit configurations to address varying degrees of severity and anatomical differences
2Reliability
If AFOs are made rigid to control foot drop, then stability improves, but ease of operation and comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The AFO is divided into modular components including the footplate, ankle joint mechanism, and separate strap systems. This segmentation allows the rigid structural elements to provide necessary gait stability while the separate adjustable strap components enable easy customization and application. The modular design facilitates independent adjustment of each component to balance stability requirements with ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system serves multiple functions including securing the AFO to the limb, adjusting fit for comfort, and modifying support characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining both stability and ease of operation, as the same straps that secure the device also enable customization for different patients and activity levels
3Manufacturing precision
If AFOs are custom molded to individuals, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity and ease of manufacture decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The AFO employs universal sizing with adjustable components that can accommodate a wide range of anatomical variations. The standardized footplate and ankle joint mechanisms are designed to fit multiple patients, while the adjustable strap systems and angular adjustment mechanisms provide customization capability. This approach maintains manufacturing precision through standardized components while significantly improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming custom molding processes
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate varying activity levels, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into integrated mechanisms. The angular adjustment mechanism at the ankle joint combines dorsiflexion/plantar flexion angle adjustment with structural support functions. The strap system integrates fit adjustment, stiffness modification, and security functions into a unified adjustment approach. This merging reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining comprehensive adaptability for varying activity levels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is ankle-foot orthoses and related accessories. In one variation, an AFO comprises a bottom dual strut arm, a top strut arm, a foot plate, foot plate slots, and a support strap. In another variation, an AFO comprises a D-ring. In yet another variation, an AFO comprises an angular adjustment gear mechanism. In yet another variation, an AFO comprises spring elements and an adjustment mechanism. In yet another variation, an AFO comprises a foot plate and toeplate with teeth or a length-adjuster that allows for length adjustment. In yet another variation, an AFO is integrated into a sock and includes tensioning elements. In one foot plate variation, a foot plate comprises electrical components that provide gait analysis functionality. In one inner boot variation, an inner boot and support straps are combined into an integrated hammock system. In another variation, the inner boot comprises slots.