Flex Support Bars for Multi-Directional Footwear Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear support systems fail to provide adequate multi-directional support, often leading to ankle sprains and other injuries during sports activities, as they either restrict movement, are cumbersome, or lack versatility and precision in supporting the foot's complex movements.
Innovation Solution
A system of flex support bars adjustably positioned around the heel counter and midfoot areas of the shoe, utilizing materials that store energy through flexing, providing restoring forces to counter excessive foot movements and distribute pressure multi-directionally for enhanced support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static rigid splints or braces are used to immobilize the ankle joint, then injury protection is improved, but movement restriction and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static rigid support structures with dynamic flexible support bars that can adapt their stiffness characteristics. The support bars are made of flexible materials that provide rigidity when needed for injury protection but allow natural movement during normal activities, thus resolving the contradiction between injury protection and movement restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by using flexible materials with specific elastic properties. The support bars can be adjusted in terms of material composition, cross-section, and positioning to optimize the balance between providing sufficient support for injury prevention and allowing adequate range of motion for comfort and natural movement.
2Reliability
If multiple straps and wraps are used to provide support, then support coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate support elements into a single integrated support bar structure. Instead of using multiple independent straps and wraps that require separate adjustment and positioning, the invention uses unified flexible support bars that provide comprehensive support coverage while simplifying the overall device structure and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, distributing pressure, allowing natural movement, and preventing injury. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive support coverage.
3Reliability
If adhesive tapes are used to secure wraps, then initial support is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slippage and loss of adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive tape component entirely from the support system. Instead of relying on adhesive that degrades over time, the invention uses flexible support bars with mechanical attachment methods such as loops, straps with buckles, or elastic bands that maintain their supportive function throughout prolonged use without experiencing adhesion failure.
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 offers improved stability, reduced risk of injury, and increased comfort by providing precise multi-directional support, adapting to various footwear types and sports activities, while minimizing stress on the Achilles tendon and other foot structures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials that store energy through flexing, providing restoring forces to counter excessive foot movements
Data Source
AI summary
A foot and ankle support system using one or more pressure-flexed support bars made of resilient material, each of which can be adjustably positioned and removably attached to selected positions along the medial, lateral, or posterior heel sides of an article of footwear. One end of the support bar is affixed to the base portion of the article of footwear and the other end is affixed to the collar or ankle portion causing the resilient support bar to flex into a bow-like position. Each support bar stores energy and returns resistance when engaged by various directional movements of the foot during walking, running, sports activities or rehabilitation. A plurality of pressure-flexed support bars work in tandem to provide additional support and control of foot inversion and eversion, pronation and supination. An alternative embodiment uses a pressure-flexed bladder type support bar filled with air, gas, liquid gel or other material.