Dynamic Foot Support Structure for Windlass Arch Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to actively support the natural interplay between flexibility and stability of the human foot, particularly in terms of energy-efficient locomotion, by failing to effectively simulate the windlass mechanism and leverage the calcaneal and metatarsal regions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple layers with a deflection element that simulates the windlass mechanism by increasing the arch height during dorsiflexion, using materials with suitable stiffness and elasticity to actively support foot functions, including a first layer forming an arch and a second layer connected via a deflection element to enhance the arch's height during flexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insoles or orthopedic inserts are used to support the feet, then some level of foot support is provided, but they fail to actively support the interplay between flexibility and stability and do not simulate the windlass mechanism effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is designed with a dynamic arch support structure that actively adapts to foot movement phases. The arch support element can dynamically adjust its support characteristics between flexibility during loading and stability during propulsion, simulating the natural windlass mechanism of the foot rather than providing static support.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole utilizes materials and structures with variable mechanical properties that change parameters such as stiffness and elasticity in response to applied loads and deformation. This allows the arch support to exhibit different mechanical characteristics during different phases of the gait cycle, enabling active support of foot functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the feet are provided with sufficient physiological stiffness and elasticity to ensure windlass mechanism function, then energy-efficient locomotion is achieved, but in many medical conditions these characteristics are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The insole acts as an intermediary device that compensates for lost physiological characteristics in the foot. By providing external arch support with appropriate stiffness and elasticity, the insole mediates the windlass mechanism function that can no longer be performed effectively by the foot's own structures in pathological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole replicates or copies the functional characteristics of healthy foot structures, particularly the arch and its windlass mechanism. By copying the geometric and mechanical properties of the natural arch, the insole restores energy storage and release functions even when the original foot structures are compromised.
3Force
If the metatarsal and calcaneal regions are elevated and stretched three-dimensionally during dorsiflexion to generate stable lever configuration, then propulsion function is enhanced, but this requires sufficient tendon and muscle stiffness that is often compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arch support element provides a counterbalancing force that compensates for insufficient tendon and muscle stiffness. By mechanically supporting the arch structure, the insole counteracts the lack of physiological tension and stiffness in compromised foot structures, enabling effective lever function during propulsion.
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 device actively supports the foot's natural movement, enhancing energy efficiency and stability, simulating the windlass mechanism to improve locomotion and correct foot pathologies like flatfoot, while also providing shock absorption and energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
using materials with suitable stiffness and elasticity to actively support foot functions
Implementation Method 2
the second layer is tensioned between the first connection region and the second connection region via the at least one deflection element
Implementation Method 3
deformation energy is stored when the tendons of the plantar fascia stretch (bow and bowstring model). This energy is made available for further locomotion
Implementation Method 4
the feet serve as shock absorbers in order to relieve the stress placed on the whole body during locomotion
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting the human foot is provided. The device includes: a first layer comprising an arch at a central region; a second layer coupled to the first layer at a first end at a heel region and at a second end at a forefoot region; and a rigid deflection element disposed between the first and second ends and at least partially between the first and second layers, a spacing between the first and second layers at the location of the deflection element is defined by the deflection element; the first and second layers have a first spacing between the first end and the deflection element and have a second spacing between the deflection element and the second end, the arch is based on the first spacing, and the first spacing is configured to increase from a first height to a second height when the second spacing decreases.