Footwear Arch Height Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear technologies do not allow for non-invasive control of the maximum height of the arch of the foot, which limits the ability to artificially induce specific physiologic effects and alter the functional specification and operational limits of the foot and lower limbs for specialized activities like cycling and skiing.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a plantar element and a dorsal element, with a rotatable arm and adjustable screw, enables users to control the maximum height of the arch of the foot, thereby influencing the degree of functional compression/tension and rigidity, by engaging the foot's plantar and dorsal surfaces, allowing for precise adjustment of arch height and force transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing footwear technologies are used, then the foot structure remains natural and unrestricted, but the ability to control arch height and induce specific physiologic effects is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control arch heightVSAvoidfootwear structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear is divided into distinct functional elements: a lower member for plantar surface engagement, an upper member for dorsal surface engagement, and a linkage mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while maintaining overall system adaptability for controlling arch height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism between the upper and lower members is designed to be dynamically adjustable, enabling the user to control the maximum height of the arch at all orientations and positions of the foot. This dynamic capability allows the footwear to adapt to different activity requirements and foot positions during specialized activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the foot is firmly restrained to induce specific physiologic processes, then force transfer efficiency improves, but comfort and blood circulation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transfer efficiencyVSAvoidrestriction of blood vessels, muscles, ligaments and nerves

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement elements are designed to apply forces locally to specific regions of the foot (plantar and dorsal surfaces) rather than uniformly across the entire foot. This localized engagement maintains firm restraint for force transfer while leaving other areas free to accommodate blood vessels, muscles, ligaments and nerves, thereby reducing harmful restrictive effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The footwear allows dynamic adjustment of engagement parameters including the maximum height of the arch and the degree of restraint applied. By changing these parameters, the system can optimize force transfer efficiency for specific activities while minimizing restriction of physiological structures during rest or low-intensity periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the arch height is controlled at all orientations and positions, then functional specification is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol at all orientations and positionsVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism is designed as a universal system that can control arch height across all orientations and positions of the foot during specialized activities. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment systems, thereby achieving comprehensive control while limiting overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the foot is engaged firmly for 100% of the activity, then rigidity is maximized for force transfer, but natural foot movement is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of archVSAvoidnatural foot movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement system transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the rigidity of the arch to be adjusted during the activity. The linkage mechanism enables the foot to maintain firm engagement for force transfer when needed while permitting natural movement during phases where rigid control is not required, thereby balancing strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10856603B2Footwear for use in specialized activities

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 EQUIPOWER SPORTS LTD 0930496 BC

AI summary

Footwear for use during a specialized activity such as skiing, cycling, skating and many other sports or industrial uses, and provides a dorsal element engaging the dorsal aspect of the foot for enabling the user to control relative to the plantar aspect the maximum height of the arch of the foot at substantially all times during the activity regardless of the position or orientation of the foot. A pivotal arm is mounted on a frame attached to the planter aspect for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the foot and is compressed by an adjustable element operable by the user.