Ergonomic Insole System for Foot Pressure Distribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional floor matting solutions fail to provide adequate support for individuals, leading to musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue, and often create tripping hazards or require permanent installation, while existing shoes do not account for individual ergonomic needs.

Innovation Solution

A shoe and insole system that calculates an ergonomic interaction factor based on an individual's weight and foot contact area, allowing for customizable padding to match specific activities, eliminating the need for separate mats and ensuring proper support and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If floor matting is used to provide ergonomic support, then musculoskeletal discomfort is reduced, but tripping hazards and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic supportVSAvoidtripping hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the floor matting function with the shoe insole by integrating customizable padding directly into the shoe. This merges the previously separate solutions (floor mats and shoes) into a single integrated product that provides ergonomic support without creating tripping hazards on the floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the ergonomic support function from the floor matting and relocates it to the shoe insole. By taking out the cushioning and support elements from the floor environment and placing them within the shoe, the solution eliminates floor tripping hazards while maintaining ergonomic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If floor matting is used to provide ergonomic support, then musculoskeletal discomfort is reduced, but installation complexity and permanence increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic supportVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the floor matting function with the shoe insole by integrating customizable padding directly into the shoe. This merges the previously separate solutions (floor mats and shoes) into a single integrated product that provides ergonomic support without creating tripping hazards on the floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If generic floor matting is used, then some ergonomic support is provided, but individual physiological needs are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic supportVSAvoidindividual customization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different padding densities and firmness levels in different regions of the insole based on individual physiological measurements. The system customizes the support characteristics at specific locations (heel, arch, forefoot) to match the user's unique foot anatomy and ergonomic requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the padding (density, firmness, thickness) based on individual user measurements and ergonomic interaction factors. The system adjusts these parameters to create a customized insole that matches each user's specific physiological needs and intended use conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If cushioned matting is placed on floors, then ergonomic support is provided, but movement and hygiene maintenance become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic supportVSAvoidhygiene maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ergonomic support function from the floor matting and relocates it to the shoe insole. By taking out the cushioning and support elements from the floor environment and placing them within the shoe, the solution eliminates floor tripping hazards while maintaining ergonomic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides tailored ergonomic support, reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue, enhancing productivity and comfort by allowing individuals to choose shoes and insoles based on their physiology and intended use, thereby eliminating the need for anti-fatigue matting.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible layer positioned between the user's foot and the shoe's sole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7913423B2Ergonomic insole

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 JOHNSON TECH CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet.