Foot Muscle Training Device with Adjustable Leaf Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for training the muscles of the feet fail to anatomically follow the natural movement of the toes during plantar muscle tension, leading to physiologically maladaptive movements and impaired physiotherapeutic training effects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a toe support movably arranged at the base via a leaf spring, supported in its central region by an adjustable support slide, allowing the toe support to follow the curvature of the foot's arch during muscle tension, with adjustable counterforce and curvature to accommodate individual muscle strengths and training objectives, and optionally incorporating auxiliary springs for increased spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the toe rest is pivotally attached via a hinge and actuated by separate springs, then the device can provide a pedal mechanism for toe exercise, but the hinged mounting results in physiologically maladaptive movement that does not anatomically follow the movement of the toes when plantar muscles are tensed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hinge mechanism from the system and replaces it with a leaf spring mounting. The toe rest is no longer pivotally attached via a hinge but is instead supported by the elastic deformation of leaf springs, which allows the toe rest to move in a manner that anatomically follows the natural movement of the toes during plantar muscle tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the support system by replacing a rigid hinge with compliant leaf springs. The leaf springs have specific dimensions (length, width, thickness) and material properties that allow them to deform elastically, providing a movement range and force characteristics that match the physiological requirements of toe exercise.
2Volume of moving object
If the leaf spring is fixed at the base near the heel area and extends along the entire length of the plantar fascia, then the device achieves compact design, but the fixed mounting reduces adaptability to individual muscle strength and training objectives
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously fixed leaf spring mounting. The support slide allows the leaf spring to be positioned at different locations along its length, and the curvature of the support slide can be adjusted to change the effective length and spring constant of the leaf spring. This enables the device to adapt to individual muscle strength and training objectives while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the mounting system into adjustable components: the support slide is separable from the base, allowing independent adjustment of the leaf spring position and curvature. This segmentation enables customization of the device to match individual user requirements without compromising the overall compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support slide is made adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring, then the device provides adaptability to individual muscle strength and training objectives, but the adjustable mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a curved support slide with a rounded top surface that contacts the leaf spring. The curvature of the support slide allows for adjustment of the leaf spring's effective length and spring constant by changing the contact point. This curved geometry provides a simple, intuitive adjustment mechanism that does not require complex fasteners or locking mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 ergonomic and efficient muscle training by anatomically aligning with the foot's natural movement, providing adaptable and gentle exercise experiences suitable for various users, including those with deformities like hallux valgus.
Implementation Method 1
the toe rest (10) is arranged at one end of at least one projecting leaf spring (14, 15), the other end of which is fixed at the base (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for training the muscles of the sole of the foot, comprising a base (2), the upper face of which constitutes a standing surface (5) for both soles of the feet from the heels to the ball of the feet, and a toe support (10), which is movably arranged on the base (2) adjacently to the ball region (9) of the standing surface (5), wherein the toe support (10) is arranged on one end (16) of at least one projecting leaf spring (14, 15), the other end (17) of which is secured to the base (2). The invention is characterized in that the central region of the at least one leaf spring (14, 15) is supported on a support slide (21) which is adjustably mounted on the base (2) in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring(s) (14, 15).