Convex Footpad with Spring Hinge for Equal Resistance Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for preventing deep vein thrombosis and de-conditioning of leg muscles in the elderly lack effective mechanical resistance distribution and require user participation, with existing solutions either not engaging the user actively or having adverse footpad designs that do not accommodate the natural shape of the foot.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a support base, a convex footpad, and a resistance mechanism comprising a curved arm and spring hinge that provides equal resistance distribution, along with sensors for tracking pressure and repetitions, allowing for effective resistance training and user engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring resistance mechanism is used to provide resistance, then resistance training is enabled, but the resistance distribution becomes uneven across the footpad
Solution Approach 1:
The footpad is divided into multiple pressure-sensitive zones that independently detect pressure distribution. This segmentation allows the system to map pressure across different regions of the footpad and adjust resistance accordingly, ensuring even resistance distribution while maintaining user engagement through targeted feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance mechanism dynamically adjusts resistance levels based on real-time pressure feedback from multiple sensors. As the user applies pressure to different parts of the footpad, the system modulates resistance accordingly, creating an adaptive training experience that maintains even force distribution while responding to user input.
2Shape
If a static footpad design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it does not accommodate the natural shape of the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The footpad incorporates localized features including a convex portion and curved surface that specifically accommodate the natural anatomy of the foot. These localized geometric modifications are integrated into the pressure-sensitive zones, allowing the footpad to conform to foot shape while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through targeted design changes rather than complete redesign.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are added to track user performance, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure-sensitive zones are integrated into a single unified footpad structure rather than using separate discrete sensors. This merging approach allows the footpad to function as both the contact surface and the sensing array, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive pressure detection capability across the entire footpad surface.
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 ensures equal resistance distribution across the footpad, accommodating the natural foot shape and providing effective resistance training, while the sensors track user performance to motivate and monitor progress in preventing deep vein thrombosis and improving muscle condition.
Implementation Method 1
a spring hinge mounted to a bracket secured to the support base; the second end of the curved arm attached to the bracket; where the resistance of the spring hinge may determine the resistance experienced by the user via the footpad
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors attached to the footpad, the one or more sensors configured to detect an amount of pressure applied by the user's foot and a number of presses by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device for movement and resistance training of the lower extremities is disclosed which helps prevent muscle de-conditioning and deep vein thrombosis from lack of movement resulting in venous stasis and potential development of blood clot formation. The device includes footpads with spring resistance and sensors that register the number of times the pads are depressed and the amount of force applied by a user to the footpads. Data from use of the device may be stored and provided as feedback to the user so the user can monitor progress in using the device.