Collapsible Foot Support with Segmented Sidewalls for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot support devices fail to provide adequate support and protection from bedding, are inconvenient to use, and not portable, particularly for individuals with foot pain conditions like gout.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible foot support device with a design comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a backwall, which are movably coupled to form an expanded configuration for foot support and protection, and can be easily collapsed for portability, featuring a method of manufacturing that includes forming and coupling these components to create a supportive structure that rests on any surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foot support device provides both foot support and bedding protection, then the device structure becomes more complex, but this complexity reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support device is divided into multiple functional components: a base structure for foot support, elevated sidewalls for bedding protection, and a collapsible top section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling the overall structure to be collapsed for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates collapsible elements that allow the structure to transition between an expanded configuration (providing full support and protection) and a collapsed configuration (enabling portability). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between structural complexity and portability.
2Ease of operation
If the foot support device is designed to be portable, then the structure is simplified, but this simplification reduces the effectiveness of foot support and bedding protection
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design allows the device to be easily transported in a compact form while maintaining the capability to expand into a full-functional support structure when needed, thus preserving both portability and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible structure allows components to nest within each other during transport, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining the complete functional structure when deployed.
3Reliability
If the foot support device provides comprehensive support including sidewalls and backwall, then the device becomes bulkier, but this bulkiness reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive support structure is segmented into collapsible sections that can be folded or compressed, reducing the volume during transport while maintaining the full support functionality when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions between a compact collapsed state for portability and an expanded state providing comprehensive support through sidewalls and backwall, resolving the volume contradiction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the foot support device is designed to rest on any surface, then the base structure becomes more complex, but this complexity affects ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is designed with a universal flat bottom surface that can rest on any surface type (bed, floor, couch), eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel foot support device includes a first sidewall adapted to engage the lateral side of a first foot, a second sidewall adapted to engage the lateral side of a second foot, and a backwall adapted to engage both the plantar region of the first foot and the plantar region of the second foot. In a particular embodiment, the first sidewall includes an inclined interior surface, the second sidewall includes an inclined interior surface, and the backwall includes an inclined interior surface. In another particular embodiment, the foot support device includes sidewalls and a backwall that can flatten and pivot relative to one another, facilitating a collapsible foot support device.