Dynamic Pressure Redistribution Insoles for Plantar Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for plantar ulcers in diabetic patients, such as those with diabetic neuropathy, are ineffective in redistributing plantar pressure uniformly and sustainably, leading to high recurrence rates due to inadequate mechanical guidance and complexity in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising miniaturized, adjacent modules with deformable cushions, valves, reservoirs, and pressure sensors that adjust stiffness dynamically to redistribute pressure, incorporating guide means to prevent twisting and ensure uniform pressure distribution across the foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If passive systems (plaster casts, off-loading shoes) are used to ease load on the foot, then the immediate pressure reduction is achieved, but the recurrence rate of plantar ulcers increases due to lack of sustainable pressure redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pressure redistribution system with inflatable and deflatable chambers that can actively adjust their volume in response to pressure sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to sustainably redistribute plantar pressure during weight-bearing activities, unlike static passive systems, thereby reducing ulcer recurrence while maintaining pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor plantar pressure and feed this information to a control unit, which automatically adjusts the inflation/deflation of chambers to maintain optimal pressure distribution. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures sustained pressure redistribution, addressing the reliability issue of passive systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If systems with magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluid chambers are used to redistribute plantar pressure, then pressure redistribution capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mechanical guiding requirements and valve integration difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple independent chambers that can be individually inflated or deflated. Each chamber acts as an independent pressure control unit, simplifying the overall system architecture by allowing localized pressure adjustment without requiring complex interconnected control mechanisms across the entire sole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible membranes separating the chambers, which allow fluid communication between chambers while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible membrane approach simplifies valve integration compared to rigid valve structures, reducing mechanical guiding requirements and overall system complexity while preserving pressure redistribution capability.
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 system effectively reduces recurrence of plantar ulcers by dynamically adapting to pressure peaks, ensuring balanced and uniform pressure distribution, even during everyday activities, with improved integration and reduced complexity compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable cushion (3) having a cavity (4) intended to receive a fluid
Implementation Method 2
The change of viscosity brought about in the area of the orifice makes it possible to regulate the flow of the liquid from one chamber to the other
Implementation Method 3
magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluid having the ability to change viscosity if subjected to a magnetic/electric field
Implementation Method 4
a sensor (5) arranged in such a way as to detect a pressure acting directly or indirectly on the cushion (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting pressure locally acting on the skin including a set of adjacent modules distributed so as to form a layer each module includes a cushion capable of changing shape and comprising a cavity, a valve, a tank, and a pressure sensor, wherein the cavity and the tank are in communication with each other by means of the valve, and the sensor is placed so as to sense pressure directly or indirectly acting on the cushion and a feedback loop arranged such as to increase or decrease the change in the shape of the cushion on the basis of the pressure detected by the sensor.