Leg Orthotic with Floating Foot Frame and Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional leg braces focus support on primary joints, creating pressure points that cause discomfort, pain, or injury, and fail to provide adequate support for individuals who cannot bear weight on their feet due to conditions like diabetic ulcers or radial neuropathy.

Innovation Solution

A novel leg orthotic system with a full-area support leg sleeve extending from ankle to hip, featuring neoprene material, rigid or semi-rigid supports with hinges, and a foot frame that allows the soles to 'float' above the ground, distributing weight through a hinged connection and shock-absorbing structure, providing comfortable and pain-free ambulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional leg braces focus support on primary joints with discrete points of contact, then structural support is provided, but pressure points are created causing discomfort, pain, or injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The leg brace is divided into multiple rigid support segments (upper lateral member, upper medial member, lower lateral member, lower medial member) connected by hinges, allowing distributed support along the leg length rather than concentrated at single joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support system transitions from point-contact support at joints to area-contact support along the entire leg length, adding a dimensional aspect of distributed support from ankle to hip rather than only at discrete joint locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If leg braces use discrete points of contact at joints, then support is provided for joint stability, but the soles of the feet must bear body weight causing discomfort for users with foot conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidweight bearing on foot soles

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The foot frame acts as an intermediary structure that transfers weight from the foot soles to the rigid supports, allowing the foot to remain elevated and not bear body weight while the brace provides joint stability through hinged connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The brace structure provides counterbalancing support through rigid members and hinges that bear the body weight, compensating for the inability of the foot soles to support weight in users with diabetic ulcers or radial neuropathy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Strength

If rigid supports are used to provide structural strength, then weight-bearing capacity is improved, but comfort and breathability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight-bearing capacityVSAvoidcomfort and breathability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The leg sleeve is constructed from flexible, breathable materials such as neoprene that can be stretched over the leg, providing comfort and air circulation while the rigid supports attached to it provide the necessary weight-bearing structural strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The brace combines flexible breathable fabric (leg sleeve) with rigid structural elements (aluminum or carbon fiber supports), creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides comfort through the flexible material and strength through the rigid components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 leg orthotic system effectively supports the user's weight without bearing it on the soles of the feet, reducing discomfort and pain, and allowing for comfortable standing and walking by distributing weight through a wide base of support, enhancing mobility and reducing pressure points.

Implementation Method 1

The leg sleeve is preferably made from neoprene or similar material to provide a snug but comfortable and breathable fit along substantially the entire length of a person's leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Between the rigid supports and the foot frame may be included a spring or other shock absorbing structure to increase the user's comfort

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20240350292A1Unweighting leg orthotic system

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 MONTANIO ROD

AI summary

A leg orthotic is provided. The orthotic includes a frame fixed to a user's lower limb by various wrappings. The user's weight is distributed such that their foot floats freely within worn orthotic. The user's limb may be insulated from the frame by various protective sleeve-like elements or padding. The orthotic includes a pedal protector that has a spring tension hinge permitting dorsiflexion of a lower part of the pedal protector relative to an upper part thereof. The pedal protector includes a quick release connection to the frame fixed to the lower limb. The pedal protector includes an inflatable bladder or padding that encloses the user's ankle.