Adjustable Foot Relief Pad for Restless Leg Syndrome
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to effectively alleviate symptoms of restless leg syndrome and foot and leg cramps, particularly when worn for extended periods while recumbent or relaxing, as they do not provide adjustable and targeted pressure to the specific muscles involved.
Innovation Solution
A flexible foot relief pad with a cloth wrapping member and a multi-layered pressure application pad that applies specific pressure to the flexor hallucis brevis and abductor hallucis muscles, secured with adjustable VELCRO straps, allowing for customizable pressure adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a massaging pad is placed on the inner sole of the shoe, then comfort to the sole of the foot is provided, but it does not provide adjustable and targeted pressure to specific muscles for restless leg syndrome relief
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application pad is divided into multiple distinct pressure application regions (first region for flexor hallucis brevis, second region for abductor hallucis, third region for additional muscle groups). This segmentation allows each region to target specific muscle groups independently, providing the needed adaptability and targeted pressure relief for restless leg syndrome while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pressure application pad have different properties - the pad includes regions with different firmness levels and pressure characteristics tailored to specific muscle groups. The first and second pressure application regions are positioned to match the anatomy of specific muscles, providing locally optimized pressure relief rather than uniform pressure across the entire foot.
2Reliability
If existing foot support devices are used, then general foot support is provided, but they fail to provide effective relief for restless leg syndrome symptoms during extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable straps that allow the user to dynamically adjust the tension and pressure applied to the foot throughout the day. As the foot swells or changes position during extended wear, the user can re-adjust the straps to maintain optimal pressure on the muscle groups, ensuring continuous effectiveness for restless leg syndrome relief over long periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure application pad is designed with varying firmness levels in different regions, and the adjustable straps allow changes in compression parameters. This enables the device to maintain effective pressure relief for restless leg syndrome symptoms even during extended wear periods when foot conditions may change, by allowing parameter adjustment to match changing physiological states.
3Force
If pressure is applied to the sole of the foot, then muscle relief is achieved, but the device lacks adjustability for different pressure levels and muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application pad is divided into multiple segmented regions (first, second, and third pressure application regions) that can independently apply pressure to different muscle groups. This segmentation allows selective pressure application to specific muscles affected by restless leg syndrome, providing both force where needed and ease of operation through targeted rather than diffuse pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable strap system enables dynamic control of the pressure force applied to the foot. Users can tighten or loosen the straps to increase or decrease the compression force on the muscle groups, making the device easy to operate and adapt to different severity levels of restless leg syndrome symptoms or different times of day.
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 device provides effective relief for restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps by applying adjustable pressure to the affected muscles, promoting comfort and reducing symptoms, especially during nighttime or prolonged sitting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one, and preferably several, straps (of VELCRO extend along the outer surface with a substantial portion of the straps extending beyond the securing portion so that the straps can fully encompass the foot and loop back for attachment to the foot engaging portion thereby securing the flexible pad to the foot
Implementation Method 2
straps (of VELCRO extend along the outer surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth, wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sols of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner skis of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome. The flexible foot relief pad also includes adjustable securement members that wrap around and encompass both the foot and the relief pad for securing the pad the foot, and the point of attachment for each securement member is adjustable thereby providing for the even application of pressure against the specific areas of the sole of the foot or for varying the amount of pressure applied to such areas on the sole of the foot.