Elastic Membrane Plantar Scanner for Insole Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plantar scanners cause deformation in the heel and metatarsal areas of the foot during scanning, leading to inaccurate insole production and inadequate stress distribution, which affects the effectiveness of custom orthoses and therapeutic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A device using an adjustable elastic membrane with horizontal bars and roulettes to secure and tighten the membrane, allowing even stress distribution across the foot, combined with multiple cameras for accurate imaging and automated double-sided machining of insoles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the foot is positioned on the glass of a scanner, then the scanning process can be completed, but the heel area and metatarsal area suffer deformation (flattening) causing inaccurate images
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the foot and the scanner glass. The membrane conforms to the foot's natural shape while being scanned, preventing direct contact and deformation of the foot against the rigid glass surface, thus maintaining both measurement precision and natural foot shape
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible elastic membrane is used to wrap around the foot during scanning. This thin film adapts to the foot's contours without causing flattening deformation, allowing accurate capture of the heel and metatarsal areas while maintaining the foot's natural three-dimensional shape
2Manufacturing precision
If an elastic membrane is used to distribute even stress, then stress distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elasticity parameter of the membrane is carefully selected to provide optimal stress distribution. By adjusting the elastic properties and tension of the membrane, even stress distribution across the foot is achieved without requiring complex mechanical systems, thus improving manufacturing precision while controlling device complexity
3Productivity
If automated double-sided machining is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot's three-dimensional geometry is captured by scanning to create a digital copy or model. This digital model is then used to guide automated double-sided machining operations, allowing high productivity in insole manufacturing while avoiding the need for complex manual crafting processes
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
This solution enables precise, high-accuracy insole production that effectively addresses stress-related pathologies like plantar fasciitis, reduces equipment complexity and costs, and provides real-time measurement capabilities, improving treatment outcomes and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic mesh has been suspended on two bars adjustable in height and width, thus by using a handle it is possible to increase or decrease the stress
Data Source
AI summary
Method for obtaining a plantar image using means for securing and tightening an elastic membrane, as well as to the double-sided machining of the obtained insole, said means taking the form of two adjustable horizontal bars positioned on a scanner or a plurality of cameras and an anti-reflective lens, wherein a membrane is positioned between said horizontal bars and secured using T-flat bars; the stress of the membrane being adjusted using a handle; the foot is positioned on the membrane; an image is taken; and the insole is subjected to double-sided machining on the basis of the image of the surface provided in STL format, with the aid of a securing device that enables the pieces to be rotated up to 180°.The device used includes a plurality of supporting bars with two adjustable horizontal bars, wherein the elastic membrane is adjusted and tightened using T-flat bars and a handle.