Ankle Mobilization Base With Arch Support for Talus Posterior Glide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle mobilization devices are complex, bulky, expensive, require skill to use, and often fail to consider the interaction of the skeletomuscular structure of the foot during ankle flexion, making them unsuitable for frequent self-use by patients.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece base with ergonomic design and a strap that supports the medial arch and applies pressure to promote posterior glide of the talus under the distal tibia, using the patient's weight for stabilization and movement, adaptable for both feet without adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure application technique is used by physiotherapist, then ankle joint mobilisation effectiveness is improved, but treatment frequency and therapist availability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables patients to perform ankle joint mobilisation themselves using their own body weight, eliminating the need for continuous therapist intervention. The device provides self-retaining pressure through the patient's stance on the platform, allowing unlimited treatment frequency without additional therapist time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressure application by the therapist is replaced with an automated mechanical system where the patient's body weight, transmitted through the platform structure, automatically applies the required mobilisation force to the ankle joint without human intervention.
2Reliability
If conventional ankle mobilisation devices are used, then ankle joint mobilisation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into three simple functional components: a platform for weight bearing, a wedge positioned under the talus, and a strap for securing the foot. This segmentation creates a device that is easy to manufacture, assemble, and understand, while still achieving effective ankle joint mobilisation.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with universal features including adjustable wedges and straps that can accommodate both left and right feet, as well as different foot sizes and ankle conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall complexity and cost.
3Force
If conventional devices apply pressure through the foot, then ankle joint pressure is achieved, but foot deformation and unnatural movement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge acts as an intermediary element between the patient's body weight and the talus bone. Instead of applying pressure directly through the foot structures, the wedge transmits the force in a controlled manner to the specific anatomical target (talus), preventing foot deformation while achieving the desired mobilisation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies force locally and specifically to the talus bone through the wedge, rather than distributing pressure across the entire foot. This localized application of force achieves the mobilisation effect at the precise anatomical location needed while leaving the rest of the foot structure undisturbed and naturally positioned.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices require adjustment for opposite foot, then versatility is reduced, but device simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates asymmetric features such as left and right positioned protrusions that naturally guide the foot into the correct orientation. This asymmetric design provides intuitive adaptability for both left and right feet without requiring manual adjustment, as the foot's own anatomy guides it to the proper position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with adjustable components positioned to work with either foot type. The wedges and straps are arranged symmetrically on the platform, and the protrusions are pre-positioned to guide foot placement, eliminating the need for setup adjustments when switching between left and right feet.
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 apparatus is intuitive, cost-effective, and effectively supports and guides the ankle joint during dorsiflexion, preventing foot deformation and promoting posterior glide, suitable for frequent self-use by patients of varying sizes.
Implementation Method 1
using the weight of the standing patient to stabilise the talus and tarsal bones and, during movement of the ankle joint, to apply pressure to promote posterior glide of the talus under the distal tibia
Implementation Method 2
the left side of the upper surface has a first upwardly-extending protrusion shaped and configured to provide medial arch support to the arch of a right foot and the right side has a second upwardly-extending protrusion shaped and configured to provide medial arch support to the arch of a left foot
Implementation Method 3
The base is shaped so as to have two upstanding protrusions... which presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance... support the foot and resist inversion or eversion during dorsiflexion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for mobilising a human ankle joint comprising a base (2) having an upper surface shaped to receive a foot with its heel adjacent the rear of the base and toes towards the front of the base, and a strap (4) extending from points adjacent the rear to form a loop extending towards the front, the loop being sufficiently long when a foot is in the base to pass around the ankle at the talo-crural joint, the left side of the upper surface having an upwardly-extending protrusion (PL) shaped to provide medial arch support to the arch of a right foot and the right side having a second upwardly-extending protrusion (PR) shaped to provide medial arch support to the arch of a left foot, the upper surface of the base between the protrusions being lower than the protrusions to support the foot's lateral edge, to resist inversion or eversion of the foot during dorsiflexion.