Automated Foot Positioning Apparatus with Optical Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current footprint digitization systems fail to ensure optimal leg and foot alignment, lack instrumental verification of leg and foot position, and cannot consistently reproduce the same positioning conditions, leading to variability in orthotics construction and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An automated apparatus with adjustable seating, a support platform with two degrees of freedom, alignment markers, micrometric adjustment devices, and a continuous measurement system to ensure precise leg and foot alignment in three-dimensional space, allowing for numerical data collection and real-time adjustments to achieve consistent neutral foot positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual alignment assessment by operator is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and repeatability of leg and foot positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator verificationVSAvoidleg and foot position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual alignment system with an automated optical measurement system using cameras and markers. The system captures images of markers placed on anatomical landmarks (knee, ankle, heel) and automatically calculates alignment parameters, eliminating subjective visual assessment while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects placed on specific anatomical landmarks. These markers serve as measurable intermediaries between the anatomical structures and the measurement system, enabling precise quantification of leg and foot position without direct contact or complex imaging of the body itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual footprint detection is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability and repeatability of footprint positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection systemVSAvoidfootprint positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual footprint detection with an automated digital imaging system. Cameras capture images of the footprint on pressure-sensitive paper or direct digital sensors, eliminating manual tracing and measurement. This automation ensures consistent positioning and measurement while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no instrumental verification system is used, then the system is simpler, but the measurement precision and numerical evaluation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement systemVSAvoidleg and foot position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback by calculating alignment parameters from marker positions and comparing them against reference values. This enables numerical evaluation and objective assessment of leg and foot alignment, guiding adjustments to achieve optimal positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If visual alignment without instrumental verification is used, then the operation is easier, but the consistency and standardization of footprint acquisition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment operationVSAvoidfootprint standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual alignment with automated optical measurement and calculation. The system objectively determines alignment parameters from marker positions, ensuring consistent application of alignment criteria across different patients and operators while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11464454B2Device for leg and foot positioning in a footprint digitalization system

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 DI MARTINO

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising: a seat for a patient; a support platform for the feet of the patient, positioned anteriorly to the seat; an alignment system allowing a patient's leg and its corresponding foot to be aligned in the three space planes in order to determine the tibia correct verticality; a system for properly positioning the foot on the platform including at least turrets able to allow pads to be applied in contact with the talus and/or scaphoid inside the foot and in contact with the calcaneus and/or cuboid outside the foot; a foot measurement system in a neutral position; an automatic real time driving system for properly positioning the leg and foot with numerical indication and direction of the movements to be carried out; a central unit capable for receiving and processing the data detected by the measurement system for footprint digitalization.