Adjustable Foot Brace with Inflatable Cells for Tendon Dysfunction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and other tendon dysfunctions provide inadequate support and are often painful due to their static nature, failing to offer optimal corrective pressure.
Innovation Solution
A brace design featuring adjustable inflatable cells and a strapping system that allows for customizable support, including a first strap to lift the forefoot and medial arch, with inflatable cells that can be positioned along the foot for optimal fit and pressure control, and additional bladders for supporting the lower leg and ankle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static implants and structures are used to apply corrective pressure, then the device structure is simple, but the corrective support is inadequate and painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static implants with dynamic inflatable structures. The inflatable cells can be adjusted in real-time to provide optimal corrective pressure, transforming the device from a fixed structure to an adaptable system that responds to user needs and treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the inflation pressure within the cells to adjust the magnitude and distribution of corrective force. This allows the same structural component to provide different levels of support and correction by simply changing the internal pressure parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If constant corrective ground reaction force is applied by foot orthoses, then the device structure is simple, but the device is painful and does not provide optimal corrective support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of pressure magnitude and distribution through inflation/deflation mechanisms. This enables the device to provide optimal corrective force while avoiding excessive pressure that causes pain, adapting to the user's tolerance and treatment progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different regions of the foot to receive different pressure levels through selectively inflatable cells or zones. This allows high pressure where correction is needed and low pressure where it would cause pain, creating a non-uniform pressure distribution optimized for both effectiveness and comfort.
3Ease of operation
If material is added or subtracted beneath the foot to adjust orthoses, then the corrective force can be modified, but the adjustment process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics by using inflatable cells that can be rapidly adjusted through air or fluid pressure. This replaces the slow mechanical process of adding or removing material with a fast pneumatic system that can be inflated or deflated in seconds, dramatically reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of corrective force through inflation/deflation mechanisms. Users can modify the device's behavior on-demand without time-consuming structural modifications, making the adjustment process quick and reversible.
4Adaptability or versatility
If static pressure application is used to support the limb, then the device structure is simple, but the support is not optimal for tendon dysfunction treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static pressure application with dynamic inflatable structures that can be adjusted in real-time. This allows the device to adapt to changing treatment requirements and user needs while providing optimal corrective support for tendon dysfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by enabling adjustment of pressure magnitude and distribution through inflation control. This transforms a simple static structure into an adaptable system that can provide customized corrective support tailored to specific tendon dysfunction conditions and treatment stages.
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 brace provides dynamic and adjustable support, reducing pain and improving corrective support for tendon dysfunction, allowing users to customize pressure and fit, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable cell is provided with the brace and is adapted to support the foot of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided for treating patients suffering from tendon dysfunction. Certain exemplary brace embodiments contain strapping systems and inflatable cells that are adapted to support the forefoot of the patient.