Orthopedic Insole with Integrated Pressure Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic shoe insoles with detachable pressure modulators suffer from discomfort due to a large supporting frame that creates static effects and inadequate fixation, leading to reduced functionality and ineffective correction of foot and musculoskeletal misalignments.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional molded orthopedic shoe insole with integrated pressure modulators, where the base body has varying thicknesses and the pressure modulators are recessed within, ensuring direct action at specified points without a supporting frame, using foamed polyurethane with different hardness levels for the base body and modulators, and bonded through overmolding or 3D printing for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure modulators are detachably attached to the base body using glue or Velcro fasteners, then the insole can be assembled and disassembled, but the pressure modulators can migrate or shift relative to the base body, reducing positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure modulators are integrated into recesses formed in the base body, merging the attachment function into the base body structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms and ensures precise, fixed positioning of pressure modulators relative to the base body, resolving the contradiction between detachability and positioning precision.
2Strength
If a frame structure is used to support pressure modulators from below, then the pressure modulators can be attached to the base body, but the frame creates static pressure effects that negatively affect muscle function
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful frame structure is completely removed from the design. Instead of using a frame to support pressure modulators from below, the pressure modulators are directly integrated into recesses in the base body, allowing them to function without creating static pressure effects on the muscles while maintaining structural support.
3Device complexity
If pressure modulators are attached from below the base body, then the insole can be constructed with separate components, but the pressure modulators press into soft shoe soles, reducing insole function
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure modulators and base body are merged into a single integrated structure where pressure modulators are formed within recesses of the base body. This eliminates the problem of pressure modulators pressing into soft shoe soles, as they are now part of the rigid base body structure, while maintaining the functional benefits of having distinct pressure application points.
4Ease of manufacture
If flat layers are used to construct the base body, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the base body cannot provide varying thickness for optimal pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed with varying thickness in different regions to optimize pressure distribution and support characteristics. This local variation in thickness allows the base body to provide different levels of support and pressure modulation in different areas of the foot, improving overall functionality while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic construction without requiring multiple layered components.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
To ensure improved wearing comfort of orthopaedic shoe insoles with pressure modulators during prolonged wear, the invention relates to an orthopaedic shoe insole with a base body 1 forming a contact surface 2 for the foot located in the shoe and at least two pressure modulators 6, 7 connected to the base body 1, wherein the base body 1 is a three-dimensionally formed molded body with a hardness of between 10 and 65 Shore A and that the pressure modulators 6, 7 are each materially bonded to the base body 1 and provided in a recess formed by the base body 1.