Integrated Orthotic Midsole Structure for Secure Arch and Heel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Footwear often lacks proper support, especially for individuals with foot ailments, and removable orthotic inserts can be misplaced, dislodged, or misaligned, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating orthotic support directly into the sole assembly of footwear, using a soft and flexible material to secure the orthotic in place, with varying rigidity and flexibility to provide customized support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable orthotic inserts are used, then wearers can switch inserts between footwear, but the inserts can be easily misplaced, lost, or dislodged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic insert is merged with the footwear by embedding it within the midsole structure. The insert becomes an integrated component rather than a separate removable element, eliminating the risk of loss or misalignment while maintaining the orthotic support function throughout the footwear's lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic insert is nested within the midsole cavity of the footwear. This nesting arrangement allows the insert to be securely housed within the footwear structure, providing stable positioning and preventing displacement during use while preserving the supportive function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If orthotic inserts are designed with limited height to fit generic footwear, then they can accommodate various footwear types, but they cannot provide customized support for specific foot ailments
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic insert features localized variations in height, density, and material properties at specific regions to address particular foot ailments. For example, increased thickness or rigidity in the arch region provides targeted support, while other areas maintain standard dimensions for footwear compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic insert is divided into multiple zones or segments with different functional properties. Each segment is optimized for specific support needs (e.g., heel cup region, arch region, forefoot region), allowing customized treatment of different foot areas while maintaining overall compatibility with footwear.
3Manufacturing precision
If orthotic inserts are made with varying rigidity to provide customized support, then they can address specific foot ailments, but they may not fit properly into generic footwear compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic insert employs local quality variations where specific regions have increased rigidity or thickness for targeted support, while other regions maintain reduced dimensions for footwear compatibility. This allows the insert to provide customized medical support without exceeding the overall size constraints of the footwear compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A midsole of footwear with an incorporated orthotic support. The midsole includes a soft and flexible member and a more rigid orthotic support. The orthotic support includes a heel cup and an arch support portion that extends forwardly from the heel cup. Embodiments produce the midsole by positioning the orthotic insert between an upper portion of the footwear and an outsole. Then, soft and flexible material is injected into the space surrounding the orthotic. The soft and flexible material subsequently cures forming the multi-part unitary midsole.