Ankle Support Shoe With 360-Degree Ligament Lockdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic shoes fail to provide comprehensive ankle support, particularly for individuals with previous ankle injuries, while allowing for a full range of motion, and often compromise comfort and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring 360-degree lockdown straps that securely encircle the ankle, incorporating a combination of internal and external heel counters, midfoot webbing, and a padded heel channel to support key ligaments, while allowing for athletic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional athletic shoe designs are used, then comfort and ease of movement are maintained, but ankle support and injury prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into multiple functional zones with specific strap systems targeting different anatomical regions. The first strap system targets the lateral ankle ligaments (ATFL, CFL), while the second strap system addresses the medial ankle and heel area. This segmentation allows each zone to provide specialized support without compromising overall comfort and mobility.
2Reliability
If ankle support features are added to shoes, then injury prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap systems are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide lateral and medial ankle support, secure the heel counter, accommodate various ankle injury histories, and maintain compatibility with different shoe styles (high-top, mid-top, low-top). This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Reliability
If comprehensive ankle support is provided, then ligament protection is improved, but range of motion may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The strap systems apply support locally to specific ligament regions (lateral ankle for ATFL/CFL, medial ankle for deltoid ligament) rather than applying uniform restriction across the entire ankle joint. This localized approach protects vulnerable ligaments while preserving natural range of motion in areas not requiring support, allowing athletes to maintain mobility during athletic activities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a shoe that provides support and protection to the ankle of a wearer and prevents or impedes displacement of the ankle ligaments during athletic movements. The shoe may comprise two or more of the following: an upper comprising a medial sidewall and lateral sidewall; a first strap attached to the lateral sidewall of the shoe; a second strap attached to the medial sidewall of the shoe; an outsole; two or more outriggers disposed on the lateral side of the shoe proximal to the outsole; an insole comprising a deep heel cup; an internal heel counter; an external heel counter; an external heel support portion on the outsole; a midfoot webbing; laces; a tongue comprising a loop to help secure and position the straps; an inner heel channel to position and cushion the straps and to support and protect the ankle of the wearer; and one or more slits or opening in the lateral sidewall through which one or more of the straps may emerge and be positioned for engagement.