Foot Support Insole Structure for Windlass Mechanism Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to actively support the interplay between flexibility and stability of the human foot, particularly in maintaining the windlass mechanism, which is crucial for efficient locomotion, due to loss of physiological stiffness and elasticity in medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple layers with a deflection element that simulates the sesamoid bone function, allowing for active arch support and energy-efficient movement by enhancing the windlass mechanism through a bow and bowstring model, using materials like polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and fiber composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insoles are used to support the foot, then basic arch support is provided, but they fail to actively support the windlass mechanism and interplay between flexibility and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The insole incorporates a dynamic arch support structure that actively adapts to foot movement phases. The arch support element can change its support characteristics during the gait cycle, providing enhanced support during stance phase and reduced resistance during swing phase, thereby actively supporting the windlass mechanism rather than providing static support
Solution Approach 2:
The insole is designed to pre-position the foot in an optimal configuration before movement occurs. By pre-shaping the arch support and positioning elements, the device prepares the foot's biomechanical alignment in advance, facilitating the natural windlass mechanism activation during gait initiation
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used to maintain foot stability, then arch support is improved, but natural foot movement and flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The insole utilizes materials and structures with variable mechanical properties that change parameters during gait. The arch support element transitions between stiffer and more compliant states depending on the loading phase, maintaining arch stability during weight-bearing while allowing natural flexibility during movement transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The insole is divided into functional zones with different mechanical properties. The arch support region provides rigid stabilization, while transition zones and forefoot areas incorporate more compliant materials, allowing segmented stability that maintains arch integrity without restricting overall foot movement freedom
3Productivity
If the windlass mechanism is not supported, then device simplicity is maintained, but locomotion efficiency and energy storage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insole design allows the foot's own movement to drive the arch support mechanism. During dorsiflexion, the foot's natural motion automatically elevates the metatarsal region and tensions the plantar fascia, with the insole elements passively following and enhancing this self-driven windlass action without requiring external power or complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The insole incorporates curved and arch-shaped elements that geometrically facilitate the windlass mechanism. The arch support element's curvature is designed to naturally elevate during toe extension, converting the foot's linear dorsiflexion motion into the rotational arch elevation needed for effective windlass action and energy storage
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 actively supports the foot's natural movement, enhancing the windlass mechanism and providing shock absorption, energy storage, and correction for foot pathologies like flatfoot, while promoting a natural gait cycle.
Implementation Method 1
the second layer is designed such that tension acting in the second end region during flexion of the device is transmitted, via the at least one deflection element, to the first layer in the first end region
Implementation Method 2
the first layer and the second layer have, at the location of the deflection element, a spacing from each other that is predefined by the at least one deflection element
Implementation Method 3
Analogously to when a bowstring of a bow is stretched, deformation energy is stored when the tendons of the plantar fascia stretch (bow and bowstring model)
Implementation Method 4
the feet serve as shock absorbers in order to relieve the stress placed on the whole body during locomotion
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting the human foot may include a first layer forming an arch in a central region of the device and a second layer that is connected to the first layer in a first end region and in a second end region of the device. The device may include at least one deflection element with dorsiflexion of the device. The second layer may be designed to transmit tension acting in the second end region via the deflection element to the first layer in the second end region in such a way that the dorsiflexion leads to an increase in the height of the arch formed by the first layer. The deflection element may be arranged at least partially between the first layer and the second layer, such that the first layer and second layer are spaced apart at a distance specified by the deflection element(s).