Elastic Correction Band for Toe Malposition Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot correction systems, such as bandages and orthotics for hallux valgus and hammer toe, are cumbersome for self-application and can lead to incorrect alignment due to the need for precise wrapping, and may cause discomfort due to uneven pressure distribution.

Innovation Solution

An elastic correction band with adjustable loops and sections that can be individually tailored to fit the foot, allowing for variable tension adjustment through loop size and angle, providing a comfortable and effective correction of toe misalignments by distributing tensile forces evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bandage is wrapped by the wearer himself during use, then the device can be applied without professional help, but the wrapping process becomes complicated and may lead to incorrect alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-applicationVSAvoidwrapping process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction system is divided into separate modular components: a first bandage portion for wrapping the foot and a second bandage portion forming a loop around the toe. This segmentation allows each component to be applied independently and simplifies the overall wrapping process while maintaining correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bandage is designed with self-adhesive properties and intuitive structure that enable the wearer to apply and adjust the correction themselves without requiring professional assistance or complex wrapping techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If crossing points are arranged at precisely specified points to generate corresponding tensile forces, then effective correction can be achieved, but the wrapping process becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrossing point positioningVSAvoidwrapping process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction function is separated into two distinct bandage portions: one that wraps the foot and another that forms a loop around the toe. This eliminates the need for precisely positioning multiple crossing points on a single continuous bandage, as the tensile force is naturally generated by the loop structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating correction through complex crossing point arrangements on a continuous bandage, the invention inverts the approach by using a separate loop structure that naturally generates the required tensile force through its geometry, simplifying the application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a buckle is used to adjust loop size and force, then the correction can be adjusted to fit different toes, but pressure points and discomfort occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop size adjustmentVSAvoidpressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bandage uses flexible, elastic material that can be stretched and molded to conform to the individual toe shape and size. This flexibility allows the loop to adapt to different toes without requiring rigid adjustment mechanisms like buckles, thereby avoiding pressure points and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic properties of the bandage material allow the loop size and applied force to be adjusted by simply stretching the material to different degrees, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment devices that create discrete pressure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 elastic correction band effectively corrects toe misalignments by applying precise tensile forces, improving comfort and reducing the risk of pressure points, making it suitable for both prophylactic and postoperative use.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic correction band for toe malpositions forming the invention, in particular for hallux valgus or hammer toes, comprises at least a first section which can be guided around at least one toe of a foot and forms a loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3417838B1Elastic correction tape and system for correction of malpositions of a human foot

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 FXF GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2C

AI summary

The present invention comprises a system for correcting toe deformities of a human foot (32) using an elastic correction band (10) attached to the foot and interacting with the toes to be corrected. The correction band has at least a first section (12) which is guided around at least one toe (28) of a foot and forms a loop (14). It also has a second section (16) adjoining the loop, which extends longitudinally at least partially along one longitudinal side of the foot to the heel (34). Furthermore, the correction band has a third section (18) which is guided around the heel of the foot, wherein the third section is either opposed to the second section of the elastic correction band adjoining the loop or is guided around the at least one toe or around a further toe (30) by forming a further loop (20).