Drop Foot Sock with Cable Tensioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic devices for drop foot conditions often fail to provide adequate support, comfort, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal, while also being expensive and difficult to integrate with standard shoes.
Innovation Solution
A drop foot sock apparatus featuring an ankle foot orthosis with a sock configuration that includes a lifting cable system integrated within, providing adjustable tension through a rotary mechanism and anchor points for secure fit and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) are used to provide adequate support, then stability and support are improved, but comfort and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a sock made of flexible material that can be stretched and molded to the user's foot and calf, providing support without the rigidity of traditional AFOs. The sock's elastic properties allow it to conform to the anatomy while maintaining structural integrity for support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support device by using elastic materials with specific stretch properties, anchor point placements, and cable tensioning mechanisms that allow adjustable support levels. This enables the device to provide adequate support while maintaining comfort through parameter optimization.
2Reliability
If functional electrical stimulation devices are used to provide stability, then support is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support function from complex electrical stimulation systems and implements it through a purely mechanical cable tensioning system. This removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core stability function through mechanical means alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as cables, anchors, and a rotary tensioning mechanism that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, avoiding the high cost and complexity of electrical stimulation devices while achieving comparable support.
3Ease of operation
If soft ankle braces with straps are used to improve comfort, then comfort is improved, but support and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple discrete anchor points distributed along the sock (heel anchor, midfoot anchor, toe anchor, calf anchors) rather than relying on a single continuous strap. This segmentation allows localized support at critical points while maintaining overall comfort through the flexible sock material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a rotary tensioning mechanism that allows the user to pre-tension the cable system before wearing the sock, ensuring optimal support is established in advance. This preliminary action ensures the device provides adequate stability from the moment of use.
4Reliability
If devices are designed to provide adequate immobilization, then support is improved, but ease of donning and doffing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic sock material that can be stretched to accommodate donning and doffing actions, then maintains its shape and support properties during use. The flexible material allows the device to transition between a relaxed state for easy application and a tensioned state for effective immobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock's flexible construction allows it to be easily pulled on and off like regular hosiery, while the integrated cable and anchor system maintains immobilization capability once worn. The flexibility enables easy donning and doffing without compromising the structural support function.
5Reliability
If devices are made bulky to provide adequate support, then support is improved, but aesthetic appeal and ease of integration with shoes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin, form-fitting sock that conforms to the natural contours of the foot and calf, providing support without adding bulk. The flexible material allows the device to remain sleek and aesthetically pleasing while maintaining structural support through the cable and anchor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the orthotic support function with a regular sock garment, combining medical support functionality with everyday wearable clothing. This integration allows the device to be worn under shoes without being visible, maintaining aesthetic appeal while providing adequate support.
Data Source
AI summary
Drop foot sock apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the drop foot sock apparatus includes a sock that is configured to fit over a calf muscle on a leg of a user; and a lifting cable system. The lifting cable system includes a calf strap; a tensioning structure disposed on an upper region of the sock, the tensioning structure having a rotary tensioning mechanism disposed thereon; an achilles anchor that is configured to be positioned below the tensioning structure; a dorsal anchor that is positioned anterior to the achilles anchor; a pair of foot anchors being positioned anterior to the dorsal anchor; a pair of calf anchors; and a cable that is attached with the rotary tensioning mechanism, the cable being routed through the achilles anchor, the dorsal anchor, the pair of calf anchors and secured to the pair of calf anchors.