Adjustable Heel Stabilization Device for Swelling Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an adjustable heel stabilization device that applies pressure to both sides of the heel to relieve or reduce swelling and provide support for heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and arch pain, while also creating a cushioning effect and accommodating various shoe sizes without impeding mobility.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable heel stabilization device comprising moveable side plates, a union plate, and connector plates with shim pads, allowing for adjustable pressure and fit, and a strap for attachment to a shoe, which compresses the skin and tissue along the heel and arch to create a cushioning effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heel stabilization device applies pressure to both sides of the heel to reduce swelling and provide support, then healing of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis is facilitated, but the device may impede mobility of the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs moveable side plates that can slide along the union plate, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different shoe sizes and shapes while maintaining stable pressure application to the heel. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to provide therapeutic pressure without restricting natural foot movement and wearer mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made adjustable in size to accommodate shoes of various shapes and sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including side plates, connector plates, and a union plate that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling versatile size accommodation through simple reconfiguration rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable side plates sliding along the union plate provide a simple dynamic adjustment mechanism that accommodates various shoe sizes and shapes without requiring complex systems. The plates can be freely positioned and secured, offering versatility through straightforward geometric adjustment rather than complicated mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device compresses skin and tissue along the bottom of the heel together to create a cushioning effect, then comfort and support are improved, but manufacturing cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a cushioning effect by compressing skin and tissue together before impact occurs, forming a natural cushion that absorbs heel strike forces. This prior cushioning is achieved through the mechanical compression capability of the stabilization device itself, rather than requiring additional expensive cushioning materials or complex shock-absorbing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the potential harm of direct heel impact into a beneficial cushioning effect by compressing the skin and tissue together. This compression, which could be seen as applying pressure, actually creates a protective cushion that absorbs impact forces, transforming what might be harmful compression into therapeutic benefit while maintaining simple manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable heel stabilization device comprised of first and second side plates, a union plate, a first connector plate for attaching said first side plate with the union plate and a corresponding second connector plate for connecting said second side plate with the union plate, wherein said first and second side plates are repositionable relative to the union plate and vice versa. The adjustable heel stabilization device of the present invention allows an individual to apply pressure to both sides of the heel and compress the skin and tissue along the bottom of the heel together, thereby creating a cushioning effect when the individual is walking, standing or sitting. The adjustable heel stabilization device is adjustable to accommodate various shapes and sizes of footwear, and helps to reduce swelling in the foot and provide relief for heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and arch pain.