Foot Shape Measurement Apparatus with Adjustable Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining footbed shapes are inadequate in simulating the comfortable shape of a foot, especially when wearing shoes, as they fail to account for varying bone and soft tissue deformations under load, and cannot accurately capture the shape inside a shoe or during activities like walking or running.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with adjustable rear and front platforms and a flexible supporting surface that mimics shoe parameters, allowing for customizable height, angle, and stiffness adjustments to simulate heel height, toe angle, and midfoot support, combined with optical or mechanical scanning to capture the foot's shape in a comfortable position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If malleable material is used to obtain foot shape, then the natural shape of the foot is obtained with little resistance, but the shape does not account for varying bone and soft tissue deformations under load
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from static foot molding to dynamic load simulation by allowing the foot to rest on the flexible supporting surface while platforms are adjusted to simulate various load conditions and shoe parameters, capturing the foot shape under realistic loading scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by adjusting platform heights and angles to simulate different load conditions and shoe configurations, thereby obtaining foot shapes under varying mechanical conditions that reflect actual wearing scenarios
2Measurement precision
If plaster casting is used to capture foot shape, then the neutral shape of the foot is obtained, but it cannot capture the shape under load or inside a shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables dynamic shape capture by adjusting platform configurations to simulate different load conditions and shoe parameters, allowing the foot shape to be measured under various realistic conditions rather than just neutral position
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions by combining flexible supporting surface with adjustable platforms to capture foot shapes under diverse conditions including different loads, heel heights, and shoe configurations, making it versatile for various measurement scenarios
3Measurement precision
If optical sensing or contact sensors are used, then accurate neutral shape measurement is achieved, but they cannot determine shape inside a shoe or under simulated shoe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible supporting surface acts as an intermediary between the foot and the adjustable platforms, transmitting the mechanical effects of platform adjustments to the foot while allowing accurate shape capture, thereby simulating shoe conditions without requiring an actual shoe
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts platform heights and angles to simulate various shoe configurations and load conditions, enabling the capture of foot shapes under realistic wearing scenarios rather than static neutral positions
4Measurement precision
If adjustable platforms and flexible supporting surface are used to simulate shoe parameters, then accurate comfortable footbed shape is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including adjustable platforms and flexible supporting surface, allowing independent adjustment and maintenance of each component while achieving complex simulation capabilities through coordinated operation of simpler parts
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 the accurate determination and measurement of comfortable footbed shapes, allowing for the creation of customized insoles and shoes that accommodate the foot's natural deformation during various activities, improving comfort and fit.
Implementation Method 1
When a force is applied on a malleable material with a person's foot, it will deform to the shape of the footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A method and kit of parts for measuring the comfortable shape of a foot for a person. The kit comprises front and rear platforms of adjustable height and a supporting surface for accommodating the plantar surface of a foot extending between said platforms. The aforementioned components can be adjusted to various settings with a view to determining a comfortable plantar foot shape. The foot shape can then be captured by scanning with an optical or mechanical probe or scanner. A method of making a customized shoe and shoe last on basis of the captured foot shape is also disclosed.