Breathable Tubular Device for Toe Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome, such as cravat bandages, are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective in providing long-term relief due to their need for frequent replacement and inability to adapt to individual foot ergonomics, leading to inadequate pain management and skin irritation.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an elastic tubular body with adjustable cinch-like side flaps made of breathable material, secured with Velcro straps, which can be easily applied and adjusted to provide relief and correct toe alignment, offering a more comfortable and durable alternative to traditional dressings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cravat bandages are used to treat metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome, then the joint can be immobilized, but the treatment requires frequent replacement every two or three days and is very uncomfortable for the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort and ease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible tubular body made of breathable material that can be worn continuously without skin irritation, replacing the rigid cravat bandage while maintaining immobilization effectiveness through the elastic compression and positioning flaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a reusable device that eliminates the need for frequent replacement of dressings, allowing continuous wear and multiple uses without degradation of therapeutic effect or comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If cravat bandages are used to treat metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome, then the joint can be immobilized, but the placement is very complicated and patients cannot reproduce it themselves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization effectivenessVSAvoidplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a self-applied device where the patient can independently place the tubular body and adjust the positioning flaps without requiring professional assistance, eliminating the complexity of cravat bandage application while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into functional segments: the tubular body for compression and the separate positioning flaps for precise joint alignment, allowing simple independent adjustment of each component by the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional dressings are used to treat metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome, then the joint can be stabilized, but the dressings prevent the skin from breathing and cause skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilizationVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies using breathable material for the tubular body that allows skin respiration while providing compression, eliminating skin irritation caused by occlusive traditional dressings while maintaining joint stabilization through elastic compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If a device adapts to individual foot ergonomics with adjustable flaps, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic adaptationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable positioning flaps that can be moved and secured at different positions to adapt to individual foot anatomy and deformity patterns, providing ergonomic customization through simple movable components rather than complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simpler application and longer-lasting relief for metatarsal pain, reducing discomfort and skin irritation while effectively correcting toe alignment and alleviating pain in both acute and chronic conditions, serving as a complementary treatment to orthopedic insoles.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic tubular body, that is applied in the anterior region of the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

secured with Velcro straps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

fixed on the opposite face of the tubular body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3482725B1Device for the treatment of metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome

Publication Date: 2020.04.22 LUCAS PICAZO DAVID

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Figure 5~6

AI summary

This invention relates to a device for the treatment of metatarsophalangeal predislocation syndrome, that it is made up of an elastic tubular body (1) made of a breathable material, which is adapted in shape and dimensions to the anterior region of the instep of the foot. The tubular body has a frontal area (5) having a length in accordance with the phalange of the dislocated toe in correspondence with the anterior edge of its face, arranged in the upper part of the foot. From the frontal area of the tubular body projects two side flaps (7, 8) that can be folded and have fixing means (10) on the inner face for fixing them on the face arranged on the sole of the foot, going around the dislocated toe.