Adjustable Orthopedic Boot With Rail-Linked Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boots, especially walker boots, are limited in size options, leading to inadequate adaptation and compression for varying foot sizes during treatment, and require multiple sizes for proper fit, increasing production and storage costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable boot design using four interconnected pieces with a screw-based fixation system that allows proportional width and length adjustments, accommodating a wide range of foot sizes from 36 to 46 EU, utilizing rail systems and angles to ensure anatomical fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If boots are manufactured in multiple fixed sizes, then proper fit for different foot dimensions is achieved, but production costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boot incorporates adjustable components including a heel piece that can be positioned at multiple heights and angles, and a cuff with adjustable positioning, transforming a static boot into a dynamic system that adapts to different foot sizes and anatomical variations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size models
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows modification of key geometric parameters of the boot through adjustment mechanisms: the heel piece can be repositioned to change the boot's length, height, and angle parameters, while the cuff adjustment modifies the width and circumference parameters, enabling a single boot model to fit multiple foot sizes
2Ease of manufacture
If a single boot size is used for all users, then production and storage costs are reduced, but proper adaptation and compression to varying foot sizes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is designed as a universal model that can serve multiple foot sizes through its adjustment mechanisms. The heel piece with multiple positioning options and the adjustable cuff enable one boot design to function for various foot dimensions, replacing the need for multiple specialized size models
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is divided into adjustable segments including the heel piece, cuff, and lacing system, each capable of independent adjustment. This segmentation allows precise customization of the boot's overall dimensions to match different foot sizes while maintaining a single standardized production model
3Device complexity
If limited size options are offered, then production complexity is reduced, but adequate compression and immobilization for injured feet cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms enable precise control over the boot's geometric parameters including length, width, height, and angle. This parametric adjustability ensures that the boot can be optimized for proper immobilization and compression regardless of the patient's foot size or injury type, maintaining high reliability with a single model
Data Source
AI summary
A length- and width-adjustable boot including: a forward base component (BA), a rearward base component (BP), a right side (LR), a left side (LL), and a locking system for said components. The four components (BA, BP, LR, LL) are linked together by rails. The slope of the rails of one of the bases (BP or BA), with regard to the axis of symmetry of the base of the boot, is determined by the length/width ratio of the foot. The movement of any of the four components causes a movement proportional to the width and length of the foot in the other three. The locking system locks the four components of the boot to be worn.