Arch Support System for Barefoot Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with high arches or flat feet require specific arch support to prevent injuries like plantar fasciitis, but existing footwear solutions are restrictive and unsuitable for activities that require being barefoot, such as water sports.

Innovation Solution

An arch sandal system with customizable arch supports that conform to the foot's shape, featuring a concave proximal end and convex distal end, and adjustable straps for secure fitting without fasteners, allowing the heel and toes to remain exposed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional footwear is used to provide arch support, then arch support is improved, but foot freedom and tactile sensation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearch supportVSAvoidfoot freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the arch support function from the entire foot enclosure. Only the arch portion is supported by a dedicated insert, while the heel, toe, and other areas remain exposed and free. This segmentation allows arch support without full footwear confinement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arch support is extracted from traditional shoe structures and implemented as a separate, removable insert that can be placed directly in the footbed area. This extraction allows the support function to be isolated to only where needed, leaving the rest of the foot bare and free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If arch support is provided through footwear, then foot protection is improved, but tactile sensation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot protectionVSAvoidtactile sensation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies protection and support only locally to the arch area where it is anatomically needed, rather than enclosing the entire foot. The arch support insert provides targeted protection while leaving the heel, toe, and other areas exposed to maintain tactile sensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If straps and fasteners are added to secure arch support, then stability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearch support stabilityVSAvoidfastener components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arch support insert is designed to be self-retaining through friction and anatomical fit within the footwear bed. It stays in place through its own structural design rather than requiring external fasteners, clips, or straps, thus maintaining stability while minimizing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11311074B2Arch support system

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 CARLSON MICHAEL A

AI summary

An arch support comprising a first end that is inwardly curved in a distal direction; a second end that is outwardly curved in the distal direction, the second end is opposite to the first end; a middle portion connecting the first end and the second end, and wherein the first end, the second end and the middle portion are configured to support only an arch of a foot.