Dynamic Socks Elastic Tensioning Bands Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional socks lack the ability to harness and return the energy generated during human movements such as walking or running, failing to enhance propulsion and reduce energy expenditure effectively.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic socks with built-in elastic tensioning bands that increase compression and tension in strategic areas of the foot and lower leg, mimicking the body's natural tendon function to enhance propulsion and control joint motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional passive socks are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but propulsion enhancement and energy recovery are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the sock by incorporating elastic bands with specific tension characteristics. These bands are engineered to provide varying levels of compression and tension throughout the gait cycle, transforming the sock from a passive garment to an active energy-recovery device that harnesses the dorsiflexion-plantarflexion motion of the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines traditional sock materials with integrated elastic tensioning bands to create a composite structure. This composite design allows the sock to maintain its basic protective function while adding the capability to store and release mechanical energy during movement, thereby achieving propulsion enhancement without completely redesigning the sock from scratch.
2Force
If elastic tensioning bands are added to increase propulsion, then energy recovery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tensioning bands are designed to dynamically adjust their tension throughout the gait cycle. During dorsiflexion, the bands are stretched and store energy; during plantarflexion, they release this stored energy to enhance propulsion. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide force enhancement without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bands automatically perform the work of energy storage and release without external intervention. The mechanical energy from natural foot movement is captured and returned by the bands themselves, eliminating the need for external power sources, sensors, or control systems that would otherwise increase device complexity.
3Productivity
If compression is increased in strategic areas, then propulsion is enhanced, but comfort and wearability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tensioning bands are strategically positioned to apply compression and tension forces at specific locations on the foot and lower leg where they can most effectively influence propulsion. This localized application of force enhances propulsion efficiency while avoiding excessive compression in areas where it would compromise comfort or restrict blood flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression and tension forces applied by the elastic bands are periodic, varying naturally with the gait cycle. The bands are loosest during periods when propulsion is not needed and tighten during dorsiflexion to store energy, then release during plantarflexion. This periodic action provides propulsion enhancement while allowing the foot to move freely during non-propulsive phases, thereby maintaining wearability.
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 dynamic socks increase propulsion force and reduce energy expenditure by storing energy during dorsiflexion and releasing it during plantarflexion, providing enhanced performance and comfort during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed sock can advantageously employ advanced weave/band technology and/or elastic material deployment to focus higher compression/tension during the gait cycle in strategic areas of the foot, ankle and/or lower leg in order to increase propulsion/ground force. The exemplary sock does so, at least in part, by loading a spring force during dorsiflexion and releasing that spring force during plantarflexion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dynamic sock, pantyhose, athletic pants/leggings or similar clothing, designed to increase propulsion or restrict motion in human gait as would be advantageous in athletic, lifestyle, medical or similar applications. Similarly, the described invention would be advantageous in sedentary applications to restrict joint angle for various pathologies. The exemplary sock includes an integrated propulsion/tension band with increased elastic/compression/tension capability at specific parts of the foot, ankle and lower leg to increase the tension at the dorsiflexion, midstance or plantarflexion phase of the gait cycle or restrict joint excursion in medical applications to thereby increase the rate, amount and force of plantarflexion or dorsiflexion or restrict motion in the sagittal, transverse or horizontal planes.