Reconfigurable Foot Cover Supports for Musculoskeletal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing custom insoles for correcting musculoskeletal misalignment and improper loading are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, and often fail to provide consistent correction across different shoe models, leading to discomfort and misalignment when worn in shoes of varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a foot cover with detachable support elements that can be attached to predefined areas on the foot cover, allowing for compensation of misalignments and incorrect loading, independent of shoe type, and featuring elastic deformability and intuitive marking for easy identification and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom insoles are made to order and fitted directly to a shoe, then the correction of misalignment and improper weight distribution is optimized for that specific shoe, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into a base insole and separate support elements that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the support elements to be customized for different correction needs while using a standardized base insole, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base insole is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple shoe types and be combined with different support elements for various correction purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to create entirely new insoles for each correction scenario
2Manufacturing precision
If custom insoles are made to order for specific shoes, then the correction is optimized for that shoe model, but additional misalignments require new insoles leading to high costs and long waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The insole system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where support elements can be attached and detached as needed. This allows the same base insole to adapt to different correction requirements over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the configuration parameters by attaching different support elements to the base insole. This enables adjustment of correction properties without manufacturing a completely new insole, reducing costs and waiting times
3Manufacturing precision
If insoles are designed with specially arranged elevations and depressions for specific correction, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the insole cannot be easily adapted when additional misalignments occur
Solution Approach 1:
The correction function is segmented into separate support elements rather than being integrated into the base insole structure. This allows individual support elements to be added, removed, or replaced without affecting the base insole or requiring complex remanufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The base insole is prepared in advance with attachment areas ready to receive support elements. This preliminary preparation enables quick reconfiguration when correction needs change, avoiding time-consuming manufacturing processes
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 kit effectively compensates for various misalignments and loads on the musculoskeletal system, providing comfort and correction without the need for multiple insoles, and can be used both with and without shoes, addressing the limitations of traditional insoles.
Implementation Method 1
The support element (4) is detachably attachable to at least two different predetermined areas (5) of the foot cover (2)
Implementation Method 2
The support element (4) can be made of a plastic material... The support element (4) can be at least partially elastically deformable in order to adapt to the shape of the foot
Data Source
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AI summary
A kit is proposed to compensate for a misalignment and/or abnormal stress on a person's musculoskeletal system. The kit includes a foot cover for application to the person's foot. The foot cover covers at least a portion of the foot and/or completely surrounds at least a portion of the foot. The kit also includes a support element for supporting and/or elevating a portion of the foot.