Ballet Orthotic with Localized Raised Sections for Gait Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotics primarily focus on foot contour and static position, neglecting the dynamic aspects of foot movement and locomotion, which limits their effectiveness in improving gait efficiency and mobility.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic design with targeted raised sections and indentations on the top side, specifically at the medial side of the calcaneus, cuboid area, and metatarsal heads, to stimulate or support key muscle groups and improve neuromuscular function, facilitating a more efficient gait cycle by enhancing the windlass effect and stabilizing the foot in both sagittal and frontal planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing orthotics focus only on foot contour and static position, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but gait efficiency and mobility improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device incorporates raised sections at specific locations (medial calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and metatarsal heads) rather than uniform support across the entire foot. Each raised section targets specific muscle groups and neuromuscular pathways, providing localized stimulation and support to improve gait efficiency without requiring complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic is divided into multiple discrete raised sections, each serving a specific function: the first raised section supports the tibialis posterior muscle group at the medial calcaneus and navicular, while the second raised section stimulates peroneal muscle insertions at the cuboid and fifth metatarsal. This segmentation allows targeted intervention at different locations to collectively improve gait efficiency
2Reliability
If orthotics consider dynamic aspects of foot movement and locomotion, then gait efficiency improves, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic employs localized raised sections positioned precisely at anatomical landmarks where neuromuscular stimulation is needed. The first raised section targets the tibialis posterior insertion at the navicular, while the second targets peroneal muscle insertions at the cuboid and fifth metatarsal. This localized approach improves neuromuscular function reliability without requiring complex overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic is designed with pre-positioned raised sections that proactively stimulate muscle groups before movement occurs. The raised sections are positioned to make contact with specific foot areas during the gait cycle, providing anticipatory neuromuscular stimulation that prepares the muscle groups for optimal function during locomotion
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthotic for a foot for ballet, the orthotic being less than half the length of the foot, the top side of the orthotic including a raised section located at a position corresponding to the medial side of the calcaneus of the foot (zone 1).