Hexagonal Heel Post Orthotic Insert for Foot Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior orthotic inserts fail to provide adequate stiffness and support to various portions of the foot, often requiring multiple designs to accommodate different anatomical structures and limiting motion control, while also potentially sliding within footwear.
Innovation Solution
The orthotic inserts feature a support shell with a hexagonal heel post for frontal plane stabilization, varying rib thickness for sagittal plane flexibility, and a low-profile design using glass-reinforced polypropylene, along with a cover for enhanced shock absorption and customization through a honeycomb pattern for individualized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prior orthotic inserts use a simple support structure, then manufacturing is easier, but they fail to provide adequate stiffness and support to various portions of the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The support shell is divided into multiple functional zones with varying thickness: a thicker heel portion for stability, a thinner forefoot portion for flexibility, and intermediate arch portions. This segmentation allows each region to provide appropriate stiffness and support for its specific anatomical function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support shell are given different local properties through variable thickness design. The heel portion has greater thickness for enhanced support and stiffness, while the forefoot portion has lesser thickness for flexibility and natural movement, creating locally optimized performance throughout the structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior orthotic inserts are designed for specific anatomical structures, then they provide targeted support, but a large variety of designs are necessary to accommodate diverse foot types
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses adjustable parameters including variable thickness values (e.g., heel portion thickness between 0.5-2.0 inches, forefoot portion thickness between 0.1-0.5 inches) and configurable rib positions to create a modular design. These parameter changes allow a single base design to accommodate diverse anatomical structures without requiring multiple entirely different orthotic insert models.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shell design incorporates universal features such as the hexagonal heel post and configurable rib structures that can be adjusted to suit different foot types and anatomical variations. This multi-functional design allows one orthotic insert model to serve multiple user needs and anatomical requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If prior orthotic inserts provide rigid support, then stability is improved, but motion control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic insert transitions from a purely rigid structure to a dynamic system where the support shell provides stable support through its variable thickness design, while the honeycomb patterned cover allows controlled flexibility and motion. The rib structures can be configured to provide stability when needed while allowing natural foot movement in other areas, achieving both stability and motion control.
4Ease of operation
If the orthotic insert uses a low-profile design, then it fits comfortably within footwear, but shock absorption may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates a honeycomb patterned structure that creates void spaces for shock absorption. This porous design allows the cover to provide cushioning and absorb impact forces while maintaining a low-profile overall shape that fits comfortably within footwear. The hexagonal cells of the honeycomb pattern create multiple pathways for energy dissipation.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic insert for use within footwear, may include a support shell. The support shell may include a forward portion configured to underlie and support a plantar surface of a metatarsal head area of a foot of a user and a rear portion configured to underlie and support a plantar surface of a heel of the foot of the user. The rear portion may include a heel post to provide frontal plane stabilization to the foot of the user during use. The heel post may define a perimeter structure having a hexagonal or other geometric shape that extends in a downward direction from a bottom surface of the support shell and terminates in a substantially planar footwear engagement surface.