Footwear Wedge Support for Arch Elevation and Joint Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current foot orthotics struggle to effectively raise the arch of the foot and lock the midtarsal joint for stability, as they often rely on universal shapes that do not accommodate individual variations in foot anatomy, leading to inadequate support and increased risk of foot pathologies.
Innovation Solution
A support device integrated into footwear, comprising a base portion and a wedge portion that everts the forefoot and inverts the rearfoot, locking the midtarsal joint without direct contact, using EVA foam to elevate the arch and reduce strain on supportive tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional arch supports use a raised contour shaped to conform to an average arch shape, then the device can be manufactured with simple geometry, but the support is inadequate for individual variations in foot anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the support by incorporating a wedge portion with specific angular characteristics (approximately 5-15 degrees) that can be manufactured with standard molding processes. This wedge configuration alters the force distribution parameters to achieve arch raising and midtarsal joint locking effects without requiring custom-molded contours for each individual foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed with universal applicability through its wedge-based mechanism that can be integrated into various footwear types. The same basic wedge configuration provides arch support and midtarsal joint stabilization across different foot shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for custom-molded supports for each individual while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If custom foot orthotic devices are molded to the specific shape of the user's foot, then the comfort is superior, but the medical benefits have not been clearly demonstrated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential medical benefit mechanism from custom-molded orthotics by identifying and isolating the wedge portion as the critical functional element. This wedge component, when positioned correctly in the footwear, provides the same arch raising and joint stabilization benefits as custom-molded devices without requiring complex molding processes or individual customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates into the desired medical benefits (arch raising, joint locking) without requiring direct contact or precise molding of the foot anatomy. The wedge mediates the force transmission and mechanical leverage to achieve therapeutic effects through a simplified, manufacturable geometry.
3Strength
If the human foot has a narrow range of tolerance of pressure applied by a support to the tissues under the bone structures, then the foot can maintain natural function, but traditional supports cannot effectively raise the arch
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying direct pressure to the arch tissues to raise the arch (which exceeds the narrow tolerance range), the invention applies the opposite approach by using a wedge configuration that indirectly raises the arch through mechanical leverage. The wedge pivots and leverages the foot's own weight and structure to achieve arch elevation without excessive pressure on the arch tissues themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by incorporating a wedge portion that creates angular force distribution rather than linear compression. This angular configuration allows the support to work through rotational and leveraged movements, enabling indirect arch raising through a different mechanical dimension that respects the foot's narrow pressure tolerance range.
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 provides stable arch support and relief for various foot pathologies by locking the midtarsal joint, accommodating individual foot shapes and reducing load on passive tissues, thus enhancing comfort and medical benefits without the fit issues of traditional arch supports.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge portion is disposed on or forms a portion of the upper surface of the base portion... The wedge portion includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion... to effect the raising of the arch of a person's foot by everting the forefoot of the person and inverting the rearfoot of the person
Data Source
AI summary
A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.