Foot Positioning Strap for Midfoot Strike Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletic shoes with cushioned heels encourage heel strike running, which is inefficient and puts excessive impact on the body, whereas natural running styles like midfoot strike are more efficient and lower-impact but harder to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A strap designed to be worn on the foot, with or without footwear, that positions the foot for a midfoot strike by using offset portions and securing mechanisms to hold the foot in a plantarflexed position, facilitating a more efficient running form and aiding in injury recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cushioned heels are used in athletic shoes, then heel strike running becomes easier and more comfortable, but running efficiency decreases and impact on the body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap changes the physical state of the foot by applying mechanical force to achieve plantarflexion, thereby altering the running strike pattern from heel strike to midfoot strike. This parameter change in foot position directly addresses the contradiction by improving running efficiency while managing the comfort trade-off through mechanical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If cushioned heels are used in athletic shoes, then heel strike running becomes easier, but impact shock absorption by the body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The strap modifies the foot's angular position parameter to promote midfoot strike, which naturally reduces impact shock. By mechanically enforcing plantarflexion, the device changes the strike pattern to allow the body's natural shock-absorbing mechanisms to function more effectively, thereby reducing harmful impact forces.
3Productivity
If midfoot strike running style is adopted, then running efficiency improves and impact is reduced, but it becomes harder to maintain the proper foot position
Solution Approach 1:
The strap applies a counteracting force to the natural tendency of the foot to dorsiflex during heel strike. By providing this mechanical counter-force that maintains plantarflexion, the device makes it easier to sustain the midfoot strike position, directly resolving the contradiction between running efficiency and ease of maintaining proper foot position.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap leverages the user's own running motion and body weight to maintain the desired foot position. The mechanical advantage created by the strap's configuration allows the runner's natural movements to work in conjunction with the device, making it easier to maintain midfoot strike without requiring additional muscular effort.
4Stability of the object's composition
If midfoot strike is used, then force distribution becomes more uniform, but control over foot position during running becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The strap provides a stabilizing counter-force that prevents excessive foot movement and maintains consistent plantarflexion. This mechanical support ensures uniform force distribution during midfoot strike while simultaneously making foot position control easier by preventing unwanted deviations from the optimal position.
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 strap effectively converts the running style to midfoot strike, reducing impact and engaging the body's shock-absorbing mechanisms, promoting a more efficient and comfortable running form while aiding in injury management.
Implementation Method 1
at least the second and third portions of the strap are formed of a rubber latex material
Data Source
AI summary
A foot positioning device is described. The device includes a strap, which can be utilized to place the foot in a desired position. The device can further include an article of footwear, such as a sock, which can assist with placement of the strap.