Foot Aligning Device with Lateral Stopper for Outward Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with impaired walking ability due to stroke or brain injuries often struggle to align their feet properly, leading to excessive strain on the hips or knees as they tend to rotate their feet outward during walking, necessitating a device to correct foot alignment during rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A foot aligning device comprising a base with a lateral and medial side, an elongate alignment member with a stopper, and straps to secure the device to the foot or shoe, preventing outward rotation and promoting proper alignment by using a knob and bracket configuration that attaches to the base and adjusts to fit various shoe sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foot aligning device is designed to prevent outward rotation, then foot alignment is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a base portion that interfaces with the shoe, an alignment member with stopper that prevents outward rotation, and straps for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and understandable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made to fit various shoe sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base length is specified as a range (about 1/3 to about 2/3 of the shoe length) rather than a fixed dimension, allowing the device to adapt to different shoe sizes. This parameter flexibility enables universal applicability while maintaining functional effectiveness across various footwear dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for correcting foot alignment is provided. The device includes a base configured to receive at least a portion of a person's foot and an elongate alignment member extending from the lateral side of the base. The elongate alignment member comprises a bracket and a stopper extending outwardly from the bracket. The alignment member prevents the person's foot from rotating outwardly when the person is wearing the device.