Orthotic Shell Shank Deflection for Foot Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flip-flops lack adequate orthotic support, leading to musculoskeletal issues and abnormal biomechanics due to their thin, flat soles, which fail to provide proper heel and arch support, causing compensatory foot adjustments and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic shell integrated into the sole of footwear, featuring a semi-rigid material that supports the heel and forefoot, with a dynamic shank to promote natural gait and adaptability, providing prolonged contact and stability across various foot types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flip-flops use thin, flat soles for simplicity and low cost, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but orthotic support and foot health are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic shell is nested within the footwear sole structure, with the insole platform positioned between the orthotic shell and the external environment. This nesting approach integrates orthotic support into the existing footwear design without requiring complete redesign, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding health benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with the orthotic shell made from semi-rigid material that is relatively more rigid than the insole platform material. This composite approach provides the necessary structural support for orthotic function while maintaining the flexibility and comfort characteristics of the softer insole materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic orthotics are made soft and contoured for comfort, then adaptability is improved, but supportive function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic shell features differentiated local properties with specific structural elements: a heel portion for heel support, a forefoot portion for forefoot support near the metatarsal heads, and a shank portion connecting these regions. Each portion is optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and support capability.
3Device complexity
If footwear lacks intrinsic orthotic design, then device complexity is reduced, but biomechanical control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic shell serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides arch support, heel support, forefoot support, and biomechanical control simultaneously. The insole platform and orthotic shell work together as a unified system that delivers both comfort and functional support without requiring multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic support structure or shell may be used with footwear intrinsically or as a removable and transferable device. The footwear may be a sandal assembly including a sole, a strap and an orthotic shell. The strap is attached to the sole and configured to secure the sole against the foot. The orthotic shell is positioned within the sole and formed from a semi-rigid material. The orthotic shell includes a heel portion configured to support a heel region of the foot, and a midfoot portion connected to the heel portion and configured to support an arch region of the foot, the midfoot portion comprising an arched shank having a curved convex shape. The arched shank is configured to deflect under a downward force applied thereon which reactively rotates the heel portion toward the heel region of the foot.