Foot Orthotic Bracket System for Stable Ambulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foot orthotics with L-shaped configurations often lack stability when the sole plate is not attached, leading to potential falls and injuries due to a single, tractionless screw supporting the patient's weight, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A foot orthotic with a novel attachment device positioned in the arch recess, featuring a textured sole plate and a bracket system that allows for secure attachment and removal without protruding screws, incorporating a hook and loop fastener and a toe plate for enhanced stability and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vertical screw is used to attach the sole plate, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but the patient experiences instability and lacks traction when walking without the sole plate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple horizontal screws distributed across the sole plate rather than a single vertical screw. This segmentation provides multiple contact points with the floor, distributing the patient's weight and preventing instability while maintaining simple attachment and removal operations.
2Ease of operation
If the screw projects sufficiently far from the orthotic to engage the floor surface, then the patient can walk without the sole plate, but the patient's foot and ankle may rock or pivot causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal screws are positioned at specific locations across the sole plate to create multiple localized contact points with the floor. This distribution of contact points provides stability and prevents the foot and ankle from rocking or pivoting, eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a rounded screw head is used, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but the patient loses traction on the floor and may slip
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal screws feature rounded heads that contact the floor surface. This curvature provides adequate traction to prevent slipping while maintaining simple screw design. The rounded heads distribute contact pressure effectively across the floor surface, ensuring reliable traction without increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If the sole plate is made removable to prevent contamination, then the patient can protect the bed, but the patient cannot quickly attach the sole plate before leaving the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal screws are pre-positioned and ready for attachment, allowing the sole plate to be quickly attached before the patient needs to leave the bed. The simple horizontal screw mechanism enables rapid attachment and removal, minimizing time loss while maintaining the ability to protect the bed from contamination.
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 solution provides a stable walking surface without the sole plate, reducing the risk of falls and injuries by distributing weight evenly and providing traction, even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sole plate removably mountable on the boot, the sole plate having a textured surface on a first side for engagement with a walking surface
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a hook and loop fastener
Data Source
AI summary
An improved foot orthotic is disclosed which includes an L-shaped boot and a sole plate which mat be mounted to the boot using a bracket disposed in a recessed arch portion of the boot. Typically, a projection extends from the sole plate into the bracket. The projection may extend into a slot and may have an enlarged head which nests in a recess in the bracket. The sole plate may be removed by withdrawing the projection from the bracket. Preferably, the bracket is recessed so that when the wearer of the orthotic walks, the bracket does not touch the walking surface. A toe plate may also be used in conjunction with the boot. The toe plate may be mounted to the bracket independently of the sole plate. In one embodiment, the toe plate includes two arms separated by a slot. The two arms embrace a portion of the bracket. Mating ribs and recesses on the bracket and toe plate arms retain the toe plate in the desired position.