Customizable Arch Support Insert for High Heels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthotic devices are inflexible and too thick for use in high-heeled shoes, leading to discomfort, potential nerve damage, and misdiagnosis of foot posture issues, as they do not accommodate the varying arch heights and shapes of different wearers, particularly women, and are difficult to properly place within shoes.
Innovation Solution
A customizable arch support system featuring a thin, removably attached arch support insert with a snap-type fastening system, available in various sizes and shapes, which can be integrated into the shoe insole to provide adjustable arch support, distributing weight evenly and maintaining balance, while being thin enough to fit within the limited space of high-heeled shoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed design orthotic device is used, then arch support function is provided, but the device is too thick for high-heeled shoes and difficult to place properly
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is divided into a base insole and removable arch support inserts. The base insole provides structural support while the removable inserts provide customizable arch support. This segmentation allows the device to be thin when inserts are removed and provides full arch support when inserts are attached, resolving the contradiction between thickness and support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic system transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic configurable system. The arch support inserts can be added or removed based on the shoe type and wearer needs, allowing the device to adapt its thickness and support level dynamically, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining arch support function and reducing thickness for high-heeled shoes.
2Reliability
If a custom rigid orthotic device is used, then arch support is provided, but the device is difficult to reposition and may cause nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic is segmented into a base insole and removable arch support inserts connected by fastening means. This allows the inserts to be easily removed and repositioned without affecting the base insole, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable arch support and enabling easy repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch support inserts can be temporarily removed (discarded from the shoe) and reattached (recovered) as needed. This allows the wearer to adjust the position or remove the inserts completely if proper fit cannot be achieved, preventing nerve damage while maintaining arch support functionality when properly positioned.
3Reliability
If a fixed design orthotic is prescribed, then initial foot support is provided, but the device becomes impractical when foot shape changes such as during pregnancy
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The removable arch support inserts can be exchanged or repositioned to accommodate changing foot shapes during pregnancy or other physiological changes, maintaining reliable foot support while adapting to new conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base insole is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple arch support insert configurations. This allows the same base insole to work with different insert sizes and shapes, providing versatile foot support that adapts to various foot conditions and changes over time.
4Reliability
If conventional arch supports are used, then arch support is provided, but they are inherently difficult to place properly in the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic is segmented into a base insole with integrated fastening means and separate arch support inserts. This segmentation allows the inserts to be independently positioned and secured, making placement easier and more accurate compared to conventional single-piece arch supports that are difficult to position correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base insole is prepared in advance with fastening means (adhesive, Velcro, or snap fasteners) already attached. This preliminary preparation simplifies the placement process, as the arch support inserts can be directly attached to the pre-prepared base insole without requiring complex positioning or additional fastening steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A customizable arch support system for use in fashionable high heeled shoes, designed to provide superior configurability and comfort for the wearer. More particularly, the system provides configurability so that it will provide superior support and comfort for the wearer, while maintaining minimal cross section profile which causes less limitations for the shoe designer.