Orthopaedic Heel Relief Device with Firm Intermediary Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged standing and heel-related conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs cause pain, and existing heel pads with soft materials increase support, exacerbating inflammation.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic device with a heel relief means that exerts pressure at the junction of the posterior part of the arch and the heel, featuring a maximum thickness of 6-14 millimeters and Shore A hardness of 15-40, with a concave shape to match the heel, reducing prolonged support and tension on the plantar fascia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft materials such as silicone are used for heel pads to cushion and support the heel, then cushioning comfort is improved, but pressure on the heel increases and inflammation is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic device introduces a new intermediary element - a firm heel pad with specific hardness (Shore A 40-60) and thickness (6-14mm) positioned between the heel and the soft cushioning pad. This intermediary firm pad redirects pressure away from the inflamed heel area while the soft pad maintains cushioning comfort, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and harmful pressure
2Strength
If heel pads with extra thickness are used to cushion and raise the heel, then support is improved, but pressure on the heel increases and inflammation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a firm pad with localized thickness (6-14mm) at the anterior portion of the heel pad, specifically positioned to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia insertion point. The rest of the heel pad maintains appropriate thickness for support, thus providing localized pressure relief without compromising overall heel support function
3Stability of the object's composition
If prolonged support of the heel is provided, then stability is improved, but tension on the plantar fascia increases and pain is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The heel pad is segmented into distinct functional zones: a firm anterior portion (6-14mm thickness) that reduces plantar fascia tension, and a softer posterior portion that maintains heel stability. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously reduce harmful tension on the plantar fascia while preserving necessary heel stability for standing and 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 effectively reduces heel support and tension, alleviating pain associated with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis by distributing pressure uniformly, thereby relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.
Implementation Method 1
the heel relief means has a maximum thickness of between 6 and 14 millimeters and in that its Shore A hardness is between 15 and 40
Data Source
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AI summary
Orthopaedic device intended to be attached to an insole (4) of a shoe, the device comprising a heel relief means (2) which comprises an upper end intended to exert a pressure in line with the junction of the rear portion of the arch of the foot and the front portion of the heel, and characterised in that the heel relief means has a maximum thickness of between 6 and 14 millimetres and its shore A hardness is between 15 and 40, the heel relief means comprising a lower face intended to be attached to the insole, an inclined upper face (6) and a concave rear face (7) or a convex front face extending from the upper end of the upper face to the end of the correspondingly arranged lower face, the rear face or the front face forming an acute angle with the lower face, the junction of the inclined upper face and the rear face or the front face forming a ridge corresponding to the upper end of the heel relief means, the ridge being capable of exerting pressure where the flexor tendons join the calcaneus.