Diabetic Foot Boot with Bellows-Driven Pulsating Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear and methods for aiding cardiocepital venous flow are cumbersome, require immobility, and lack targeted pressure application, making them ineffective for ambulatory patients with circulatory issues and ulcerated feet, particularly those with diabetes.
Innovation Solution
A boot design featuring a blood flow stimulating element that abuts the plantar plexus of the foot, with a two-part sole structure allowing movement to stimulate venous and arterial drainage, and a pump system to provide pulsating pressure without the need for electrical power, enabling ambulatory movement while offloading the foot to prevent further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior compression devices are used to aid cardiocepital venous flow, then venous hypertension can be addressed, but the devices are cumbersome and require the patient to remain immobile
Solution Approach 1:
The boot system is self-powered through a bellows mechanism that utilizes the patient's own walking motion to generate the compression force. The bellows expands during heel strike and contracts during toe-off, automatically driving the compression cycle without external power sources or requiring immobility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex electrical pump systems and power supplies of prior art with a simple mechanical bellows system driven by natural gait mechanics. The bellows converts vertical ground reaction forces during walking into pneumatic pressure cycles that drive the compression bladders
2Reliability
If prior compression devices apply pressure to the foot and leg, then venous flow can be aided, but the pressure is not concentrated in the soft tissue areas where it is most effective
Solution Approach 1:
The boot incorporates multiple separate compression bladders positioned at specific locations (foot, ankle, calf, thigh) that can be independently inflated and deflated. This allows pressure to be concentrated in the soft tissue areas where it is most effective for venous return, rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire limb
Solution Approach 2:
The compression system is divided into multiple segmented bladders along the length of the limb, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the pressure to be applied in a sequential gradient pattern, with each segment contributing to the overall venous pumping effect
3Duration of action of moving object
If prior compression devices are connected to mains power supply, then continuous compression can be provided, but they cannot be used for ambulatory patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests energy from the patient's own walking motion through the bellows mechanism, converting mechanical work from ground reaction forces into pneumatic energy. This eliminates the need for external power sources while enabling continuous compression during ambulation
Solution Approach 2:
The compression system is designed to be dynamically synchronized with the patient's gait cycle. The bellows and bladders automatically adjust their operation timing to match the natural rhythm of walking, providing compression during the appropriate phases of each step without requiring external control
4Reliability
If compression is applied to stimulate blood flow, then venous drainage is improved, but arterial flow may be impeded during the compression phase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression is applied in brief, periodic pulses that are synchronized with the gait cycle rather than continuous compression. The rapid deflation phase creates a pressure gradient that drives venous emptying, while the brief duration minimizes arterial flow impediment. The system provides multiple pulses per minute corresponding to walking frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The compression phase is kept as short as possible, rushing through the arterial impediment period quickly. The system prioritizes the deflation phase where venous emptying occurs, minimizing the time spent in the compression phase where arterial flow is temporarily reduced
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 boot effectively stimulates blood flow and promotes venous drainage in ambulatory patients, reducing the risk of further ulceration and potential amputation by providing targeted pressure without compromising healing or requiring immobility.
Implementation Method 1
a blood flow stimulating element, and a sole element; wherein the upper is operable, when a person is utilising the boot, to engage with and fixedly retain a calf portion of the leg of the wearer, whereby to enable offloading of the foot and to allow the foot to remain stationary with respect to the calf; wherein the blood flow stimulating element is placed such that, in use, it is opposite the plantar plexus region of a foot
Implementation Method 2
the sole element comprises a first upper element and a second lower element; the respective first and second sole elements being movable one with respect to the other and are connected to the blood flow stimulating element such that, in use, the blood flow stimulating element is caused to move with respect to a foot retained therein
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to footwear and in particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, relates to footwear for those with diabetes and, in particular, with ulcers of the sole. The present invention seeks to address some of the problems encountered by prior art limb compression devices and methods. In particular the present invention seeks to provide a boot which can stimulate blood flow. A further object to the invention is to provide a boot with a sole which is adaptable to conform with various shapes and conditions of human feet. The present invention also seeks to provide a new type of footwear that has a therapeutic benefit for diabetic patients with circulatory problems in their foot, and also enables the technique of "off loading" the foot to assist in the healing of any wounds present. The present invention relates to a method for aiding arterial and venous flow from the limb of an ambulatory patient comprising the step of applying pressure to one or more areas of the soft tissue of an underside portion of the foot.