Foot Exercise Brace Ball Device Plantar Fascia Massage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating plantar fasciitis focus on static dorsiflexion and stretching but lack effective massage and pressure application to the plantar fascia, leading to inadequate rehabilitation and discomfort in use.
Innovation Solution
A novel three-section Foot Exercise Brace and Ball Device with an ankle brace, curvilinear tongue member, and spherical massage ball connected via an elastic shock cord and cord lock mechanism, allowing for controlled massage and pressure application without dorsiflexion, providing flexibility and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static dorsiflexion force is applied to stretch the plantar fascia, then the plantar fascia is stretched, but no massaging element is provided to treat the area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stretching function and massaging function into a single integrated device. The spherical element serves dual purposes: it provides the stretching force through the elastic cord mechanism while simultaneously massaging the plantar fascia through rolling contact. This merging eliminates the need for separate stretching and massaging devices, resolving the contradiction between treatment capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a stretching mechanism (through its connection to the elastic cord and ankle brace) and a massaging tool (through its ability to roll under the foot). This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both stretching and massaging needs, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a ball is placed on the bottom of the foot with mobility, then directed pressure can be applied to the plantar fascia, but the device lacks secure attachment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord acts as an intermediary element that connects the spherical massaging element to the ankle brace. This intermediary mechanism provides secure attachment while allowing the ball to move freely for effective massaging. The elastic cord transmits the stretching force while permitting the mobility needed for the ball to roll under the foot and apply directed pressure to different areas of the plantar fascia.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements that allow movement while maintaining secure attachment. The elastic cord provides dynamic connection between the ankle brace and the ball, enabling the ball to move across the plantar fascia for massaging while the cord maintains tension for stretching. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between ease of operation (requiring ball mobility) and reliability (requiring secure attachment).
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are assembled together, then functional design is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome to manufacture and use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the ankle brace portion, the elastic cord mechanism, and the spherical element. Each segment can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled through straightforward connections. This segmentation allows for functional versatility while keeping individual manufacturing steps simple and assembly manageable.
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 device offers a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for massaging and rehabilitating the plantar fascia, ensuring secure attachment and directional control, effectively relieving pain and inflammation with adjustable tension and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic shock cord member threaded through three key points: the eyelets featured on the tongue section of the ankle brace, the cord lock system, and the center axis of a ball
Data Source
AI summary
A universal foot exercise brace and ball device with new and useful characteristics for massaging and rehabilitating the plantar fascia is presented. An adjustable ankle brace surrounding the ankle naturally connects to a curvilinear tongue surface that rests over the top portion of the foot defining a passageway for a shock cord. An upper cord lock subsequently accommodates and sizes the shock cord, which in turn holds a spherical ball designed for massaging the tissues found at the bottom of the foot. Together, all the components of this utilitarian device work as one embodiment and integrated unit leaving the plantar fascia completely unobstructed to be massaged using this new device and method that securely holds a ball in place under the foot while it operates rolling under all sections of the plantar fascia as intended by the user.