Adjustable Toe Spacing and Dorsiflexion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toe-spacers and dorsiflexion devices face limitations such as insecure attachment to the foot, lack of adjustability to individual foot sizes, and compatibility issues when used simultaneously, leading to suboptimal foot muscle stretching.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves continuously adjustable toe-spacer elements with sliding guiderails and adjustable inelastic straps connected to a cuff around the lower leg, ensuring secure attachment and adjustable tension for effective toe separation and dorsiflexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static toe-spacers are inserted between the toes, then toe separation is achieved, but the spacers can slide off the foot due to lack of secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines toe separation and dorsiflexion functions into a single integrated device. The toe-spacers are merged with the dorsiflexion strap system, where the same strap that provides dorsiflexion tension also secures the toe-spacers to the foot, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dorsiflexion by anchoring to the lower leg, secures the toe-spacers to the foot preventing dislodgment, and allows for continuous adjustment of both toe spacing and strap tension. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the attachment mechanism serve the primary dorsiflexion purpose while also securing the spacers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If statically configured toe spacers are used, then simple structure is maintained, but adjustability to individual foot sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static toe-spacer configuration into a dynamic, continuously adjustable system. The toe-spacers can be moved along the strap to change spacing distances, and the strap length can be adjusted to accommodate different foot sizes and geometries. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to individual users while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows continuous adjustment of key parameters including the spacing distance between toe-separating elements and the strap tension. By enabling parameter changes rather than providing fixed configurations, the system achieves high adaptability to individual foot geometries without requiring complex mechanisms - simply adjustable positions along the strap.
3Productivity
If dorsiflexion devices with forefoot anchoring are used, then dorsiflexion is achieved, but the forefoot is covered precluding simultaneous use of static toe spacers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the toe-spacer function with the dorsiflexion device into a single integrated system. The toe-spacers are attached to the dorsiflexion strap, allowing both toe separation and dorsiflexion to occur simultaneously without requiring separate devices. This eliminates the conflict between forefoot coverage and toe-spacer placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously: it provides dorsiflexion by anchoring to the lower leg, separates the toes through the integrated toe-spacers, and stretches both the plantar fascia/Achilles tendons and the toe muscles. This multi-functionality achieves optimal therapeutic stretching without the limitations of separate devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If toe-spacers are made displaceable along guiderails, then continuous spacing adjustment is enabled, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible strap as the structural element that both secures the toe-spacers and allows their displacement. The strap's flexibility enables the toe-spacers to move along guiderails for adjustment while the strap's tension and friction provide continuous retention. This resolves the contradiction by using a flexible element that can simultaneously constrain and allow movement.
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
This configuration provides secure, adjustable, and simultaneous toe separation and dorsiflexion, preventing spacer dislodgment and accommodating varying foot geometries for enhanced foot muscle stretching.
Implementation Method 1
inelastic straps of adjustable tension connect the toe-spacing elements and guiderails to a cuff which surrounds the lower leg... the inelastic straps secure the adjustable toe-spacers to the foot such that the toe-spacers are not dislodged by natural toe or foot movements during use, while the adjustable inelastic connection also provides dorsiflexion by pulling the forefoot back toward the anchoring points located on the cuff
Implementation Method 2
the spacing elements of the device are moveable along guiderails of the device via sliding action
Data Source
AI summary
A foot stretching device with simultaneous toe spacing and dorsiflexion capabilities, where the toe-spacing elements are continuously adjustable along flexible guiderails to custom fit individual foot geometry, while the method of applying tension between the ankle and the forefoot via inelastic material to enable dorsiflexion also secures the toe spacing elements to the user's foot through a linkage with the ankle cuff of the device. Exchanging the inelastic material for one which is elastic and stretchable allows plantarflexion exercises to be performed with resistance.