Elastomeric Foot Sling With Circumferential Band For Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices fail to effectively address musculoskeletal foot pain, particularly in women and athletes, due to inadequate focus on nonsurgical interventions that affect lower extremity joint alignment and structure, leading to common issues like foot trauma, arthritis, and pain.
Innovation Solution
A wearable foot sling made from elastomeric materials that mimic anatomical structures, providing focal compression and support through a sock member with a thickened fabric pad, tubes for toe passage, interdigit barriers, and a circumferential band that applies tension to the foot and leg, enhancing the windlass mechanism and addressing specific pain points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom orthoses are used to address foot pain, then support and alignment are improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric material to create a foot sling that conforms to the foot's anatomy. The material properties (modulus of elasticity between 0.5-5 MPa) allow it to provide support while remaining simple and adaptable, avoiding the need for complex rigid orthotic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid (custom orthoses) to flexible elastomeric, while maintaining the supportive function. The specific elastomeric material with controlled durometer (40-80 Shore A) provides the necessary support through material properties rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If custom orthoses are used to address foot pain, then support and alignment are improved, but affordability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot sling uses inexpensive elastomeric material that can be manufactured at low cost without requiring custom fabrication processes. The material itself (with specified mechanical properties) provides the therapeutic effect, eliminating the need for expensive custom molding and fabrication associated with traditional orthoses.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastomeric material allows for simple manufacturing processes and mass production, significantly reducing costs compared to custom rigid orthoses. The material's inherent properties provide the necessary support function without requiring complex manufacturing steps.
3Shape
If traditional footwear is worn for fashion, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but foot structure damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot sling serves multiple functions: it provides medical support for foot pain and structural issues, while being thin and flexible enough to be worn under most fashionable shoes. The device bridges the gap between medical necessity and aesthetic footwear requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin, flexible elastomeric construction allows the foot sling to be discreet and compatible with various shoe types, enabling users to maintain fashionable appearance while receiving therapeutic support. The material conformability ensures it doesn't interfere with shoe fit or appearance.
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 wearable foot sling provides effective focal compression and support, reducing abnormal tension in muscles, fascia, and neural pathways, improving comfort and compatibility with most shoes, while being more affordable and easier to use than custom orthoses, thus enhancing compliance and pain relief.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable foot sling for the relief of musculoskeletal foot pain comprised of materials possessing elastomeric properties that mimic the anatomical structures of the foot
Implementation Method 2
the circumferential band applies tension along the tension path to the wearer's foot and leg
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable foot sling for providing focal compression to portions of a wearer's foot, toes and leg, includes a sock member formed from an elastomeric fabric; a plantar surface portion having a thickened fabric pad; a plurality of tubes configured for engaged passage of the wearer's toes; a plurality of longitudinal fibers connecting the plurality of tubes with the thickened fabric pad; a circumferential band forming a tension path beginning at a dorsum portion, wrapping laterally around at a lateral longitudinal arch portion and gradually widening as it runs medially at a medial longitudinal arch portion, and continuing upwards toward the dorsum portion to form a closed loop; the circumferential band continuing laterally and superior across an anterior ankle joint portion, wrapping around a lower tibia portion and spiraling to the top of the sock member; and wherein the circumferential band applies tension along the tension path.