Ankle Support with Elastic Regions and Articulated Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot movement limiting devices for ankle joints often require manual adjustment and fitting to ensure proper positioning, which can be challenging due to variations in leg dimensions, leading to reduced effectiveness or failure in protecting the ankle joint.
Innovation Solution
A foot movement limiting device with a support arrangement that includes a stretch-resistant region and a stretch-elastic region, allowing for adjustable fitting to different ankle circumferences without the need for manual adjustment, and an articulated attachment element that moves relative to the retaining arrangement to optimize force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid orthoses with splints or splint plates are used to prevent movement, then the protective effect against ankle sprain is improved, but the freedom of movement and wearing comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid, fixed structures with dynamic, movable components. The attachment element can change its orientation and position relative to the support arrangement, allowing the device to adapt to different ankle positions and movements. This dynamic characteristic enables the device to provide protection only when necessary (during dangerous movements) while allowing normal physiological movements to proceed freely.
2Reliability
If support arrangements are fixed to lower leg with fixing means, then the stability and protective effect are improved, but the weight and structural rigidity increase, reducing wearing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support arrangement that can be wrapped around the lower leg rather than using rigid fixing means. This flexible structure provides sufficient support and stability through its configuration and the attachment element's limiting action, without requiring heavy rigid components or complex fixing mechanisms, thereby reducing weight and improving wearing comfort.
3Manufacturing precision
If devices are adapted to individual lower leg dimensions, then the positioning accuracy and protective effect are improved, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the attachment element and the flexible nature of the support arrangement to allow automatic adaptation to different lower leg dimensions. The elastic region can stretch and relax to accommodate various circumferences, while the articulated mounting allows the attachment element to find its optimal position automatically, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex sizing systems.
4Reliability
If manual pretensioning of damping element is required, then the effectiveness of the damping element is improved, but the ease of operation and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support arrangement and attachment element such that the damping element automatically achieves its optimal tension through the act of fitting the device itself. The elastic region and flexible support arrangement work together to provide automatic pretensioning, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment steps. The device configures itself to the user's anatomy, and the damping element naturally tensions to the appropriate level during the fitting process.
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 device provides improved protection for the ankle joint by ensuring proper positioning and alignment, enhancing freedom of movement and wearing comfort, while eliminating the need for manual adjustment and fitting.
Implementation Method 1
the support arrangement comprises a stretch-resistant region and a stretch-elastic region
Implementation Method 2
the articulated mounting is configured in such a way that the attachment element is attached to the retaining arrangement so as to be displaceable relative to the latter within a predefined range
Data Source
AI summary
A foot movement limiting device for limiting a foot movement via the ankle joint, and to a correspondingly configured shoe for limiting a foot movement via the ankle joint. The foot movement limiting device includes a support arrangement for supporting on a lower leg or from proximally on the ankle bone, a retaining arrangement for retention on a foot and at least one attachment element for limiting a relative movement between the support arrangement and the retaining arrangement.