Foot Contour Imaging with Neutral Joint Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining accurate foot measurements distort the soft tissues and bone structure of the foot, particularly when capturing the contours for orthotic device manufacturing, and are inefficient and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an imaging section and alignment section that uses adjustable support members to lock the midtarsal joint and position the subtalar joint in a neutral condition, allowing for optical measurement of the foot's contours without distortion, using a wheeled carriage for easy alignment and a laser pointer for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cast-molding methods are used to obtain foot measurements, then accurate representation of foot contours is achieved, but the process is highly labor intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cast-molding process with an optical scanning system. Instead of using physical molds that require manual application and setting, the invention employs optical sensors to capture foot contours digitally, eliminating the need for manual molding operations and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy of the foot contour through optical scanning, rather than requiring a physical mold. The optical system captures the geometry of the foot surface and stores it as digital data, which can be transmitted and used for orthotic device construction without the time delays and shipping costs associated with physical mold transportation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional cast-molding methods are used, then accurate foot representation is obtained, but the process requires significant time for material application and setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the time-consuming material application and setting process by using optical scanning technology. The system captures foot contours instantly through optical means, removing the need for plaster or resin materials to be applied and allowed to set, thereby eliminating several minutes of measurement time.
3Productivity
If optical scanning systems are used to digitize foot contours, then measurement speed and efficiency are improved, but distortion of foot soft tissues and bone structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a supportive member to the foot before optical scanning to maintain the foot in a neutral position. This preliminary positioning action prevents distortion of soft tissues and bone structure during the scanning process, ensuring that the optical capture accurately represents the foot's natural anatomy rather than a distorted state.
Solution Approach 2:
The supportive member acts as an intermediary between the foot and the optical scanning system. It provides a neutral supporting surface that allows the foot to be positioned correctly without direct contact between the scanning apparatus and the foot that would cause compression or distortion of tissues.
4Productivity
If optical scanning is performed without proper foot positioning, then measurement speed is maintained, but distortion of foot anatomy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a supportive member that is positioned on the foot before the optical scanning begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the foot is in the correct neutral attitude, preventing any distortion during the rapid scanning process and maintaining both speed and accuracy.
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
Enables accurate, efficient, and comfortable measurement of foot contours, ensuring the subtalar joint is in a neutral position, reducing distortion and improving the precision of orthotic device construction.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging section that optically measures the contours of the plantar surface of the foot
Implementation Method 2
a laser pointer for precise positioning
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.