Foot Care Device with Vertical Opening for Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying cream to feet are not adequately suited for individuals with mobility restrictions, often requiring assistance and risking falls or excessive cream consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a lightweight, flexible, waterproof foot shell with side openings for easy foot placement and a detachable holding element, designed for minimal effort and safety, along with a sole having knob-like elevations for cream distribution, promoting blood circulation and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional cream application device is used, then the structure is simple, but it requires bending over and is difficult to operate for people with mobility restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of foot placementVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footrest is designed with a vertical opening at the front end, allowing the foot to be placed from the vertical direction rather than requiring the user to bend over and place the foot horizontally. This dimensional change in foot placement direction fundamentally improves ease of operation for people with mobility restrictions while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If assistance is provided for cream application, then cream can be applied properly, but it reduces independence and may cause falls

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidindependence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service foot care through its specific design: the vertical opening allows independent foot placement without bending, the footrest surface provides stable support, and the overall structure allows users with mobility restrictions to safely and independently apply cream to their feet without assistance, thereby maintaining both safety and independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If cream is applied generously, then adequate moisturizing is achieved, but excessive cream is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisturizing effectivenessVSAvoidcream consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The footrest surface is designed with knob-like elevations that create localized cream distribution points. These elevations concentrate the cream in specific areas where it is most needed, ensuring adequate moisturizing effectiveness while reducing overall cream consumption by preventing waste and ensuring precise application to the foot surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4335320B1Device for applying cream to a foot
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 PODO ELAN UG
  • EP4335320B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4335320B1 patent drawingFigure 6
  • EP4335320B1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

A device (10) for applying cream to a foot is proposed, comprising a foot tray (11) for receiving a foot and a rod-shaped holding element (30) for moving the foot tray.