Padded Foot Support with Metatarsal Depression for Pressure Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current padded foot supports for the general public do not effectively address ball of foot discomfort by redistributing pressure evenly across the metatarsal heads, particularly when wearing high heels, as they fail to utilize a 'hollow zone' approach to alleviate metatarsalgia pain.
Innovation Solution
A padded foot support with an oblong and slightly bell curved depression, made of elastically compressible materials, is positioned to create a 'hollow zone' under the second and third metatarsal heads, redistributing pressure to the less loaded metatarsal heads, thereby alleviating discomfort and pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If padded foot supports provide cushioning to the ball of foot, then comfort is improved, but pressure redistribution capability is insufficient because they do not utilize a hollow zone approach
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support features a hollow zone with depressed region specifically positioned under the second and third metatarsal heads, creating localized structural variation. This depressed region has different geometry and material properties compared to surrounding areas, allowing selective pressure redistribution exactly where needed while maintaining support in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding padding uniformly across the ball of foot, the invention inverts the approach by creating a hollow zone or depressed region. This inverted structure allows the metatarsal heads to sink into the depression, naturally redistributing pressure to adjacent areas rather than concentrating it, thus solving the pressure distribution problem through opposite design logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high heels are worn, then fashionability is improved, but ball of foot pressure increases causing metatarsalgia pain
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow zone is specifically positioned under the second and third metatarsal heads which bear the most weight in high heels. The depressed region creates localized pressure relief exactly where the pain occurs, allowing users to wear high heels fashionably while protecting the specific anatomical areas most susceptible to injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow zone acts as an intermediary structure between the high heel and the metatarsal heads. It mediates the force transmission by allowing controlled sinking into the depression, thereby reducing the direct impact and concentrated pressure that would otherwise be transmitted to the painful metatarsal areas.
3Strength
If uniform padding is applied to the ball of foot, then cushioning is provided, but pressure is not effectively distributed to all metatarsal heads
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniform padding, the invention applies different structural qualities to different locations. The hollow zone under the second and third metatarsal heads has a depressed geometry that encourages pressure redistribution, while surrounding areas maintain standard padding. This localized structural differentiation enables effective pressure distribution across all five metatarsal heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional uniform padding approach by creating a hollow zone. Instead of pushing up uniformly, the depressed region allows the foot to sink in, creating a natural pressure redistribution mechanism that transfers load from the heavily loaded second and third metatarsal heads to the lighter-loaded first, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads.
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 even pressure distribution and pain relief across the ball of the foot, making high heels more comfortable by reducing acute pressure on the second and third metatarsal heads and distributing it to the more tolerant metatarsal heads, thus addressing metatarsalgia issues.
Implementation Method 1
The padded foot support is made of elastically compressible materials and includes a depression formed in the top surface near where the second and third metatarsal heads are expected to make contact
Data Source
AI summary
A padded foot support with a ball of foot depression is a shoe insole designed to alleviate pressure from the second and third metatarsals of a foot by redistributing pressure to the first, fourth and fifth metatarsals. A forefoot depression traverses into the top surface of a pad body made of an elastically compressible material in the second and third metatarsal region, slightly forward and inside of center on the forefoot portion of the pad body.