Curved Lateral Profile Sole for Orthopedic Walker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthopedic walking boots with rigid soles and sharp edges hinder mobility and comfort, especially when turning, due to inadequate curvature and traction, leading to stress and discomfort on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic walking boot with a substantially continuously curved lateral profile sole, providing a smooth transition for pivoting and improved traction, combined with a shock-absorbing material configuration to support the leg and reduce impact stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the sole has a substantially flat surface with small arcuate edges, then the contact surface area is large for stable walking, but the user cannot pivot or turn effectively due to balancing on edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during walkingVSAvoidability to pivot or turn

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is designed with a continuously curved lateral profile where the radius of curvature varies between 10 mm and infinity. This curvature allows the sole to pivot and turn effectively while maintaining stability during straight walking, resolving the contradiction between stable walking and turning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If the sole edge is sharp to maintain structural integrity, then the boot provides rigid support, but it hinders mobility and causes discomfort on uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmobility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuously curved lateral profile with varying radius of curvature eliminates sharp edges while maintaining structural integrity. The curvature allows the sole to adapt to uneven surfaces and facilitates pivoting movements, improving mobility and comfort without sacrificing structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If the sole has limited curvature at arcuate edges, then manufacturing is simplified, but traction and stability on slippery surfaces are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtraction on slippery surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The continuously curved lateral profile provides improved traction on slippery surfaces through increased contact area and better surface adaptation, while the varying radius of curvature (10 mm to infinity) can be manufactured using standard molding techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11178935B2Removable leg walker

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 OVATION MEDICAL

AI summary

An orthopedic walking boot for a user includes an outer sole having a substantially continuously curved lateral profile bottom walking surface, wherein a radius of curvature of the lateral walking surface varies between 10 mm and infinity, and an upper portion arranged with the outer sole to support a lower portion of the user's leg.