Leg Support Rod Converts Shear to Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg supports do not effectively transfer pressure from the foot to the upper leg, leading to prolonged recovery times and discomfort, especially for individuals with foot injuries such as ulcers caused by diabetes, and often restrict mobility due to rigid knee braces that hinder bending.
Innovation Solution
A leg support system comprising an adjustable upper assembly with a rod that extends past the foot to strike the ground, converting vertical shear force into horizontal compressive force around the upper leg, allowing the user to walk without pressure on the foot, with a hinge that bends in an arch for flexibility and adjustable tensioning for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a boot or device is used to minimize impact on the injured foot, then the user can continue walking, but the pressure is not completely relieved and recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the rod and upper assembly system) that mediates between the foot and the ground. The rod extends from the upper assembly past the foot to strike the ground first, creating a mechanical intermediary that transfers force away from the foot to the upper leg, completely relieving pressure while allowing continued walking
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid knee brace is used to support the leg, then stability is improved, but the knee cannot bend and mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the knee brace adaptable through a hinge mechanism that allows the knee to bend when needed. The hinge can be positioned at different locations along the brace, enabling dynamic adjustment between rigid support and flexible bending based on the user's activity requirements, thus maintaining both stability and mobility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a leg support is designed to transfer all pressure to the upper leg, then foot pressure is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the leg support into distinct functional components: an upper assembly that surrounds the upper leg, a rod that extends past the foot, and a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (upper assembly for support, rod for force transfer, hinge for flexibility) while keeping the overall design relatively simple and manufacturable
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 system enables users to walk without foot pressure, facilitates easier standing and sitting, and provides adjustable comfort, reducing pain and mobility issues while allowing for easy use and mass production.
Implementation Method 1
transforming a portion of the vertical shear force to horizontal compressive force around the user's upper leg
Data Source
AI summary
A leg support that attaches to a user's upper leg and extends below the user's foot, where stepping on the portion below the user's foot causes the portion around the user's upper leg to tighten. This allows the leg support and the user's upper leg to bear the user's weight with the user's foot remaining untouched. When the user takes his or her weight off of the leg support, the portion around the user's upper leg loosens for the user's comfort. The leg support insures that there is zero pressure on the bottom of the user's foot and all of the user's weight and vertical shear pressure is converted into horizontal compression pressure around the user's thigh, while the user's center of gravity remains in a position that allows upright balance to be maintained.