Ankle Brace Hinge Alignment and Flexible Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ankle braces fail to provide adequate support and stability, especially during full range of motion between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, as they misalign with natural biomechanical movement, leading to joint destabilization and discomfort, and often rely on ground reaction forces for arch support which can exacerbate foot issues.
Innovation Solution
An ankle brace with a hinge aligned below the tibial trochlea of the talus, combined with a tracking element and a flexible arch support that provides upward force to the longitudinal arch without requiring ground reaction, allowing for natural movement and support throughout the full range of ankle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge is aligned with the tibialtalor junction to stabilize the ankle, then joint stability is improved, but the brace does not accurately mimic natural foot pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of aligning the hinge axis with the tibialtalor junction as in conventional braces, this invention inverts the approach by positioning the hinge axis below the tibialtalor junction. This inverted positioning allows the brace to accurately mimic the natural arcuate path of the tibia over the talus during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, enabling full range of motion while maintaining joint stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stiff materials are used to provide arch support via ground reaction forces, then arch support is improved, but foot flexibility and movement are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
This invention replaces stiff arch support materials with a flexible shell structure comprising a series of interconnected struts forming a lattice framework. This flexible shell provides arch support through its geometric structure rather than material stiffness, allowing the foot to maintain flexibility and natural movement while still receiving adequate support throughout the gait cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch support structure transitions from a static, stiff component to a dynamic, flexible framework that adapts to the foot's movement. The interconnected struts allow controlled deformation and energy absorption during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, providing support that moves with the foot rather than restricting it.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ground reaction forces are relied upon for arch support, then support is provided during mid-gait, but foot muscles may atrophy and dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shell arch support structure provides continuous support throughout the entire gait cycle, not just during mid-gait when ground reaction forces are present. The interconnected struts maintain structural integrity during dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and transition phases, ensuring continuous arch support that prevents muscle atrophy and reduces dependency on ground reaction forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle brace includes upper and lower members with a hinge therebetween. The hinge is configured to be positioned at a location that corresponds to, or at least approximately corresponds to, a true axis of rotation of an individual's foot relative to the tibia bone in his or her lower leg. That axis of rotation is located below the tibialtalor junction, along which tibia and talus articulate as the foot is moved between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion orientations. A foot orthosis includes an arch support that is configured to support at least a portion of a longitudinal arch of an individual's foot regardless of whether or not a ground reaction force is applied to the arch support or to the foot. Such an arch support and an orthosis of which it is a part may be configured to exert an upward force on the longitudinal arch regardless of whether or not any weight is applied to the foot or to the arch support. The arch support may be configured to follow or substantially follow a path of the posterior tibial tendon through the ankle and foot. An orthsis may include both the arch support and the hinge. Methods for support ankles and feet are also disclosed.