Foot Differentiation Scoring for Orthotic Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foot orthotics often fail to provide adequate comfort and support due to the challenge of selecting the correct type and size for individuals with significant differences between their left and right feet, leading to inadequate alleviation of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for foot differentiation scoring using preprocessed pressure and measurement data, which generates a numerical rating to determine the degree of difference between an individual's feet, recommending either prefabricated or custom orthotics based on a trained machine learning model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard prefabricated orthotics are used, then manufacturing cost and availability are improved, but fit accuracy and comfort are worsened due to inability to accommodate foot differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing orthotic characteristics to match specific foot differentiation patterns. Instead of using uniform prefabricated orthotics, the system analyzes pressure distribution and dimensional differences between feet to create localized support zones and pressure redistribution patterns tailored to each individual's unique foot anatomy, thereby improving fit accuracy while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized customization processes
2Manufacturing precision
If custom orthotics are manufactured for each individual, then fit accuracy and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming complex foot anatomy data into a simplified differentiation score system. The machine learning model processes multiple input parameters (pressure distribution, arch depth, foot length, width) and converts them into a single differentiating factor that drives orthotic customization. This parameter transformation reduces manufacturing complexity by providing a clear decision threshold (e.g., score > threshold indicates need for custom orthotics) while maintaining high fit accuracy
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If foot differentiation is not accurately measured, then measurement simplicity is improved, but orthotic recommendation accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional measurement system that simultaneously captures multiple foot characteristics (pressure distribution, arch depth, foot length, width) through a single integrated scanning process. The machine learning model then universally processes all these inputs to generate a comprehensive differentiation score, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures while maintaining high accuracy through consolidated data analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable medium for foot differentiation scoring pertaining to an individual's differences in their two feet. A method includes receiving, from sensors of a scanning device, pressure and/or other measurement data corresponding to feet of a user. The method further includes preprocessing the pressure and/or measurement data. The method further includes generating, based on the preprocessed pressure and/or measurement data, a foot differentiation score based on differences between a left foot and a right foot of the user. The foot differentiation score may assign or correspond to a numerical rating based on how different the user's left foot and right foot are from each other.