Ankle Orthosis Convex Tab Reflex Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle orthoses do not effectively enhance the supportive action during the healing process, particularly in maintaining the foot's normal position through reflex movements triggered by pressure on specific areas of the sole.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped ankle orthosis with a convex tab that presses against the cuboid bone, utilizing reflex movements to align the foot by applying pressure and tensioning nearby tendons, combined with a flexible design and padding for comfort and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to provide strong support, then the supportive action is improved, but the comfort and adaptability to different foot shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible materials throughout the orthosis structure, including the support stirrup, web, and tab. These flexible components maintain structural support while adapting to the contours of the foot and ankle, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for support and flexibility for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis utilizes materials with varying degrees of flexibility and elasticity in different regions. The preloaded tab employs elastic deformation to apply pressure, while other regions use flexible materials to conform to the foot shape, allowing the structure to provide support while maintaining comfort through parameter variation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the web and tab are made as a single rigid part, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to provide targeted pressure and accommodate foot movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is divided into functionally distinct segments: the support stirrup, the web connecting the sides, and the preloaded tab extending from the web. Each segment is designed to perform a specific function, with the tab providing targeted pressure while the web provides structural connection, allowing precise pressure application while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Force
If the tab is designed to extend far toward the metatarsus, then the pressure on the cuboid bone is improved, but the space occupation under the foot arch increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed with localized functionality, concentrating the pressure application at a specific point on the cuboid bone rather than distributing it across a large area. The tab extends only as far as necessary to reach the cuboid bone and terminates before the metatarsus, providing targeted pressure while minimizing space occupation under the foot arch.
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 orthosis effectively aligns the foot by triggering involuntary muscle activation, providing enhanced supportive action and comfort through reflex movement alignment and flexible, adaptable design.
Implementation Method 1
areas exist in the sole of the foot that trigger reflex movements of the foot on account of pressure and corresponding transmission of a corresponding signal through the person's nerves
Implementation Method 2
corresponding transmission of a corresponding signal through the person's nerves
Implementation Method 3
presses against the cuboid bone of the foot due to a preloading of the tab
Implementation Method 4
tendons running in the vicinity of the cuboid bone are placed under tension, and thus accelerate corresponding activation of the associated muscles
Implementation Method 5
a U-shaped support stirrup made of a flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ankle orthosis comprising a U-shaped support stirrup made of a flexible material, the sides of which stirrup converge beneath the foot in a web projecting as a tab toward the metatarsus, extend past the bones, and are held together at their end regions by a fastening strap wrapping around the leg. The tab has a convexity, which presses against the cuboid bone of the foot due to a preloading of the tab.