Orthotic Shoe Quick-Release Clip for Secure Child-Friendly Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clubfoot treatment devices require complex screw-based attachment mechanisms that are difficult for young children to operate, posing a risk of accidental detachment and compromising the effectiveness of Dr. Ponseti's manipulative technique.
Innovation Solution
A quick release member with a locking tab and button mechanism that securely attaches to the sole of an orthotic shoe, allowing easy attachment and detachment without tools, ensuring stability and preventing accidental release by young children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based attachment mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but operation difficulty increases for young children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical attachment system with a clip-based quick-release mechanism. The clip member features a body that clips onto the bar assembly and a release mechanism that allows easy detachment without requiring screwdrivers or complex manual manipulation, thus maintaining secure attachment while dramatically improving ease of operation for young children
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member is designed to be easily operated by the end user (child or parent) without requiring external tools or assistance. The release mechanism allows the clip to be detached with a simple pressing or lifting motion, making the attachment system self-serviceable and independent of specialized tools
2Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used, then attachment security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct modular components: the bar assembly with its mounting features, the clip member with its clamping mechanism, and the release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing secure attachment, avoiding the need for a single complex fastening system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex screw-based fastening system and replaces it with a simplified clip mechanism. The essential function of secure attachment is maintained through the clip's clamping action, while the unnecessary complexity of threaded fasteners, washers, and multiple fastening points is eliminated
3Ease of operation
If easy release mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The clip member incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that requires a deliberate action (pressing a button, lifting a tab, or applying force in a specific direction) to detach. The clip maintains a stable locked state during normal wear but transitions to an unlocked state only when the release mechanism is activated, providing both ease of intentional operation and protection against accidental detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes features that prevent accidental release by requiring a specific intentional action to detach the clip. The release mechanism is positioned and designed such that normal movement, friction, or accidental forces during wear cannot trigger detachment, while the intended release action (such as pressing a clearly marked button or lifting a tab) reliably activates the release
Data Source
AI summary
A sole attachment assembly for attachment to an orthotic bar having a sole to retain a shoe of a user and a quick release member to couple to an orthotic bar. The sole includes a sole body, a release member receiver, a platform on the receiver, guide wings, a centering projection, and a release button barrier spanning between the guide wings. The quick release member includes a release member body, wings extending laterally from the release member body to slide within the guide wings, a locking tab to keep the quick release member coupled to the shoe sole by interfacing with the quick release button barrier, a locating recess in a top portion of the body configured to provide enhanced stability by interfacing with the platform on the sole, and a centering notch at the front of the body configured to interface with the centering projection on the sole.