Footrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footrest designs fail to provide effective elevation, comfort, and sanitation for prolonged foot elevation during pedicures or medical services, lacking a telescopic support shaft with control buttons and a semi-cylindrical leg rest with a heel divot and removable toe guard.
Innovation Solution
A footrest with a hemispherical base, a telescopic support shaft powered by a rechargeable battery and motor, control buttons, a semi-cylindrical leg rest with an adjustable incline, a removable and disposable toe guard, and a sole cover for improved comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height footrest is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users of various sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest employs a telescopic support shaft with multiple extendable sections that can be adjusted to different heights, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the footrest to adapt to users of various sizes while maintaining structural integrity through telescopic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shaft is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows for height adjustment while keeping each individual section manageable in size and complexity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If foot elevation is maintained for prolonged periods, then foot health is improved, but user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest incorporates an adjustable incline mechanism that allows the leg rest surface to be tilted at different angles. This dynamic adjustment enables users to find the most comfortable position for prolonged foot elevation, reducing fatigue while maintaining the health benefits of elevated foot positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The incline angle of the leg rest is made variable rather than fixed. By changing the angular parameter of the rest surface, users can optimize their posture for comfort during prolonged use, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving the health benefits of foot elevation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-disposable footrest is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sanitation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is divided into permanent structural components and removable disposable components (toe guards). This segmentation allows the main structure to be manufactured once and reused, while only the sanitation-critical parts need to be replaced, balancing manufacturing cost with sanitation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable toe guards are used as removable covers for the footrest surface. These inexpensive, single-use components maintain sanitation by being replaced between users, while the expensive permanent structure remains in use, effectively resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and sanitation.
4Reliability
If foot elevation support is added, then foot health is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest uses a rechargeable battery-powered motor to automatically adjust the height of the telescopic shaft, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service mechanism provides sophisticated foot elevation support while keeping the control system simple and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical height adjustment is replaced with an electric motor system powered by a rechargeable battery. This substitution provides more precise and easier height adjustment for foot health support while consolidating control into simple buttons, effectively managing device complexity.
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 footrest provides stable and comfortable foot elevation, reducing fatigue and improving foot health by allowing adjustable height and sanitation features, suitable for various user sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a telescopic support shaft powered by a rechargeable battery and motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a footrest including a base assembly, a shaft assembly and a leg rest assembly is disclosed. The base assembly includes a base providing proper support on a ground surface for the footrest. The shaft assembly includes a shaft mounted to the base. The shaft being telescopic to adjust the height of the shaft to accommodate different users. The shaft assembly includes a motor and control buttons for adjusting the height of the shaft. Mounted atop of the shaft is a leg rest of the leg rest assembly. The leg rest provides support to the foot and leg of the user to allow the foot to be elevated comfortably for prolonged periods of time. Mounted to the leg rest is a removable and disposable toe separator to increase sanitation for users to avoid cross contamination between users. The toe separator being secured between the toes of the user.