Footwear with Rigid Insert Lever for Dynamic Pressure Massage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear devices for pressure massage and venous outflow in the lower limbs, such as pneumatic devices and orthopedic shoes, fail to effectively transmit pressure to improve blood flow and muscle performance due to inadequate pressure transmission and lack of dynamic massage, especially in immobile individuals or those with venous insufficiency, leading to discomfort and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A footwear device with inflatable bladders and a central rigid insert that applies a dynamic, variable pressure massage from the sole to the calf through a mechanism that mimics natural muscle contraction, using body weight and gait to create a centripetal action, without electronic control or mechanical pumps, ensuring portability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pneumatic devices with electronic control are used to provide pressure massage, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the user's own body weight and natural gait motion to drive the pressure massage mechanism through the rigid insert and flexible bladder, eliminating the need for external power sources, electronic controls, or mechanical pumps. The system serves itself by converting the user's walking motion into therapeutic pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic-pneumatic pressure control systems with a simple mechanical lever system. The rigid insert acts as a lever fulcrum that converts vertical body weight into directional pressure on the foot and lower limb, achieving pressure control through pure mechanics rather than electronics.
2Force
If mechanical pumps are used to inflate bladders for pressure massage, then pressure application effectiveness is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder inflates and deflates automatically through the user's own gait motion. During walking, the natural compression and release of the foot against the rigid insert forces air into and out of the bladder, eliminating the need for external pumps or power sources while maintaining effective pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure massage is applied periodically in sync with the user's walking rhythm. The bladder inflates during the stance phase and deflates during the swing phase, creating a cyclic pressure pattern that matches the natural gait cycle and provides continuous therapeutic effect without requiring constant power input.
3Stress or pressure
If static pressure stockings are used to prevent venous diseases, then venous pressure control is improved, but dynamic massage effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static pressure application to dynamic pressure massage by utilizing the user's gait motion. The rigid insert and flexible bladder create a mechanism that adapts pressure direction and magnitude to the user's movement, providing dynamic compression that mimics natural muscle contraction during walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure massage is applied in periodic cycles synchronized with the user's walking rhythm, creating alternating compression and release phases that generate dynamic massage effect. This periodic action contrasts with the continuous static pressure of traditional stockings while maintaining venous pressure control.
4Productivity
If sequential compression devices are used to treat venous insufficiency, then blood flow improvement is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically adjusts compression timing and intensity based on the user's natural gait, eliminating the need for manual control or electronic programming. The system self-regulates the sequential compression pattern through the mechanical interaction between the rigid insert, flexible bladder, and user's foot motion during walking.
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 enhances blood flow and muscle performance by providing a gradual, frequency-synced massage that mimics natural ambulation, reducing venous pressure and improving outflow, with adjustable pressure settings and optional thermal effects, while being lightweight and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
said central cavity (13) accommodating a rigid insert (14) which acts at least as a lever fulcrum for the sole (1)
Implementation Method 2
The metatarsal cavity, called metatarsal donor cell, is in communication with a respective higher sleeve, called receiving higher cell, which is provided in the shoe at the calf
Implementation Method 3
The footwear provides an antigravity effect proportional to the mass of the wearer, thanks to the pressure exerted by the body weight on the sole
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A footwear provided with a device for pressure massage to the lower limbs has a sole (1) and an upper (2), the sole (1) being provided with a forefoot chamber (3) and a heel chamber (4), each of said chambers communicating with respective fluid inflatable bladders (6, 10) through its flexible ducts (5, 9) in a manner adjustable from outside. The inflatable bladders (6, 10) are removably positioned within of the upper (2) and are flanked internally to respective isolated bladders (8, 11) being filled with gel and adapted to be in contact with parts of the body of the wearer of said footwear. Provided between the forefoot chamber (3) and the heel chamber (4) is a central cavity (13) housing a rigid insert (14) adapted to act as a lever fulcrum for the sole (1).