Adjustable Orthotic Insert with Removable Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic devices for heel pain do not allow users to selectively adjust the therapeutic pressure applied, leading to inadequate relief for some individuals due to their static structure.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic device with a removable supplemental support that can be secured to a shoe insert, allowing users to increase or decrease the rigidity of the raised region to apply a user-selected therapeutic pressure by fitting within a semi-cylindrical cavity, enabling adjustable acupressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static orthotic device structure is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the therapeutic pressure cannot be adjusted by users
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is divided into multiple independent components: a base insert and removable supplemental supports. Each supplemental support can be independently attached or detached from the base insert, allowing users to customize the therapeutic pressure by selecting different support configurations. This segmentation enables adaptability without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, adjustable system. The supplemental supports can be removed and reattached, and their positions can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the base insert. This dynamic capability allows the therapeutic pressure to be customized according to individual user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a removable supplemental support is added to allow pressure adjustment, then user-selectable therapeutic pressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a base insert and separate supplemental support components. This segmentation allows users to easily control the acupressure by simply attaching or removing supports without requiring complex mechanisms. Each component remains structurally simple, maintaining ease of operation despite the increased number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental support function is extracted as a separate, removable component rather than being integrated into the base insert. This extraction allows users to take out the support when adjustment is needed and replace it with different support configurations. The extraction principle enables user control while keeping each individual component simple in design.
3Strength
If the raised region is reinforced with supplemental support, then the rigidity is increased to apply therapeutic pressure, but the device becomes less adaptable to different user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is segmented into separate supplemental support components that can be independently configured. Users can select different support configurations based on their specific needs, allowing the rigidity of the raised region to be adjusted. This segmentation maintains adaptability while providing the necessary strength through selective reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental supports provide localized reinforcement only in the areas where therapeutic pressure is needed, rather than making the entire device uniformly rigid. This local quality approach allows the raised region to have increased rigidity where required while maintaining adaptability through selective placement and configuration of the supports.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an insert having a raised region that contacts an arch region of a wearer's foot, which may be selectively reinforced with a removable supplemental support. In exemplary embodiments, the insert includes a heel region adapted to receive at least a region of a heel of a wearer, and the raised region has a length situated along a width of the insert and adapted to underlie a calcaneus-midtarsal connection of a foot the wearer. The raised region is defined by a bottom semi-cylindrical surface that forms a cavity below the raised region so that an apex of the bottom semi-cylindrical surface lies above a bottom flat surface of the insert. Inside the cavity, the support is removably coupled to the cavity for selectively increasing or decreasing a rigidity of the raised region of the insert in order to apply a user-selected therapeutic pressure.