Orthopedic Boot Heel Cushion Composite Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic walking boots lack sufficient cushioning and frictional surfaces, leading to slippage on furniture and potential further injury, as well as discomfort due to rigid materials, especially during the healing process of lower leg and ankle injuries.
Innovation Solution
The orthopedic walking boot incorporates a soft elastomeric heel cushion overmolded onto a rigid plastic base, featuring a flexible free edge and ribs or protrusions for enhanced comfort and friction, along with semi-spherical or semi-ellipsoidal heel bumpers for improved stability and ergonomic fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plastic base is used for the orthopedic walking boot, then structural support and immobilization are improved, but comfort and frictional surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a rigid plastic base with a soft elastomeric heel cushion. The rigid base provides structural support and immobilization, while the soft elastomeric cushion provides comfort and frictional surfaces. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between strength and comfort by integrating two materials with complementary properties into a single functional assembly.
2Strength
If a rigid plastic base is used for the orthopedic walking boot, then structural support is improved, but frictional surfaces and anti-slip properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The soft elastomeric heel cushion material provides increased friction and anti-slip properties compared to the rigid plastic base alone. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility and surface characteristics create better frictional contact, preventing slippage on furniture surfaces while the rigid base maintains structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid materials are used in the orthopedic walking boot, then structural integrity is improved, but comfort during healing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different material properties in different regions of the boot. The rigid plastic base maintains structural integrity overall, while the soft elastomeric heel cushion specifically addresses the heel area where comfort is needed during healing. This localized application of soft material resolves the contradiction between overall structural integrity and local comfort.
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 solution provides increased comfort and stability by reducing pain and preventing slippage, while minimizing damage to furniture through enhanced frictional surfaces and ergonomic design, facilitating effective immobilization and healing of lower leg and ankle injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a heel cushion arranged with said section of the base to engage the user's posterior portion of the heel, the heel portion having a free edge configured to flex
Implementation Method 2
The heel cushion and the one or more heel bumpers may comprise a continuous material overmolded to the base
Implementation Method 3
one or more heel bumpers overmolded to the base and extending beyond an exterior portion of the section
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic walking boot, comprising a base to support a user's foot, the base having a section configured to support the user's posterior portion of the heel; a support assembly extending from the base to support the user's lower leg; and a heel cushion arranged with said section of the base to engage the user's posterior portion of the heel, the heel portion having a free edge configured to flex.