Corrective Alignment Foot Brace With Force Sensing and Dynamic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrective alignment foot braces are limited in efficacy, with non-compliant patients at high risk of recurrence, and there is no simple clinical tool to objectively assess treatment effectiveness, leading to potential over- or under-treatment.
Innovation Solution
A corrective alignment foot brace with sensory electronics that measures forces and moments to objectively assess treatment efficacy and dynamically adjust parameters, including adjustable orientation and stiffness elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corrective alignment foot braces are used to treat clubfoot, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but objective assessment capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor modules that measure forces and moments acting on the foot brace, providing real-time feedback about patient compliance and treatment effectiveness. This feedback loop enables objective assessment and allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment parameters based on actual performance data rather than subjective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective clinical assessments and manual examinations with electronic sensor-based measurement systems. Force sensors and moment sensors objectively quantify the mechanical interactions between the brace and patient's foot, substituting human judgment with precise instrumental measurement.
2Productivity
If aggressive corrective alignment treatment is applied, then treatment speed is improved, but patient compliance and fracture risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of brace parameters based on real-time sensor data. Treatment intensity can be modified during the treatment course to match patient response, allowing aggressive treatment when compliant but relaxation when compliance deteriorates or discomfort arises, optimizing both speed and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of treatment parameters such as force magnitude, orientation angles, and stiffness based on measured patient response. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can maintain effective treatment intensity while adjusting to patient tolerance levels, preventing non-compliance and fracture risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conservative corrective alignment treatment is applied, then patient comfort is improved, but treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules provide continuous feedback on treatment parameters and patient response, enabling identification of the optimal treatment intensity that balances comfort and effectiveness. This allows the system to maintain the minimum effective treatment level rather than using overly conservative approaches, reducing unnecessary treatment duration.
4Device complexity
If manual assessment methods are used, then treatment protocol simplicity is maintained, but assessment objectivity and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual clinical assessment with electronic sensing systems that objectively measure forces and moments. This replacement maintains protocol simplicity from the provider's perspective while dramatically improving assessment objectivity and precision through automated data collection and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A corrective alignment foot brace is disclosed with a sensor system that allows for objective assessment and dynamic adjustment of foot brace parameters. In preferred embodiments, the corrective alignment foot brace includes a first shoe and a second shoe connected by a bar or any rigid system between them. The first shoe is configured to be adjustably oriented relative to the second shoe and relative to the bar. In some embodiments, the second shoe is similarly configured to be adjustably oriented relative to the first shoe and the bar. The corrective alignment foot brace further includes a sensor module coupled to the first shoe, the second shoe, and/or the bar. The sensor module is configured to detect at least one force or moment acting on the sensor module along or about at least one axis.