Elastomeric Lattice Foot Cover for Slip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient falls in hospitals and care facilities remain a significant concern due to inadequate slip prevention measures, with existing non-slip footwear often causing discomfort and being removed, thereby increasing the risk of falls.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable lattice foot cover made from elastomeric materials with ventilated designs and anti-slip properties, providing 360-degree coverage and secure fit to prevent slipping across various surfaces, suitable for use over bare feet, socks, or existing footwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-slip footwear is used, then slip prevention is improved, but comfort deteriorates causing removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible lattice structure made of elastomeric material that conformally fits the foot while providing non-slip properties. The lattice design allows the material to bend and adapt to foot movements, maintaining comfort during removal while preserving slip prevention through its flexible contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure creates a porous, ventilated design that allows air circulation through the foot cover. This porosity reduces heat buildup and improves comfort by preventing overheating, while the elastomeric material maintains its non-slip properties despite the open lattice configuration.
2Reliability
If non-slip footwear is used, then fall prevention is improved, but ventilation deteriorates causing heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure creates a porous, ventilated design that allows air circulation through the foot cover. This porosity reduces heat buildup and improves comfort by preventing overheating, while the elastomeric material maintains its non-slip properties despite the open lattice configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lattice design acts as a thin film that permits thermal energy to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity needed for slip prevention. The flexibility allows the material to conform to the foot while the lattice openings enable heat dissipation.
3Ease of operation
If stretchable lattice is used, then comfort and fit are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes elastomeric materials with specific viscoelastic properties that change under applied stress. The material transitions from a relaxed state to a conforming state when stretched over the foot, providing an adaptive fit without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot cover combines elastomeric material with a lattice structural configuration, creating a composite design where the material properties and geometric structure work together. This composite approach achieves both comfort through material flexibility and structural simplicity through the integrated lattice pattern.
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 foot cover effectively reduces slip risks and fall incidents by providing comfortable, secure, and ventilated protection, meeting the needs of diverse patient demographics and environments, while also addressing the limitations of existing non-slip footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The stretchable lattice is an elastomer. The stretchable lattice being fitted to a shape of a human foot.
Implementation Method 2
The stretchable lattice defines a number of openings enabling visualization and ventilation of the foot.
Data Source
AI summary
A foot cover including a stretchable lattice configured to be worn over a foot of a user. The stretchable lattice being fitted to a shape of a human foot. The stretchable lattice is an elastomer. The stretchable lattice defines a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings. The foot cover includes a first end of the stretchable lattice enclosing toes of the foot of the user. The foot cover includes a second end of the stretchable lattice defining an opening for receiving the foot of the user, wherein first end includes the first plurality of openings that are smaller than the second plurality of openings associated with a body of the stretchable lattice.