3D Orthotic Insert With Side Wedge for Foot Wound Offloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthotic devices are often uncomfortable, inflexible, and expensive, leading to undesirable outcomes for patients.

Innovation Solution

A custom 3-D orthotic device is designed with a cushioning material that forms to the shape of the patient's foot, featuring a wedge portion that extends up the side of the foot to create an interior volume for wound protection and comfort, while being adaptable to different shoe types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If custom orthotic shoes are used to support the patient's foot, then support and comfort are improved, but cost increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device is designed to be inserted within a patient's existing shoe, making it compatible with various footwear types rather than requiring custom-made shoes. This universal approach allows the device to provide support and comfort across different shoe styles while maintaining flexibility for the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The orthotic device includes a second portion that extends to a top of a user's foot, creating a flexible interior volume that adapts to the foot's contours and movements. This flexible design provides comfort and wound protection without requiring rigid custom shoe construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If auxiliary support devices such as ankle foot orthoses are added to flat orthotic devices, then support is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device combines the functions of flat inserts and auxiliary support devices into a single integrated structure. The first portion provides base support within the shoe, while the second portion extending to the top of the foot adds auxiliary support, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The orthotic device is divided into two functional portions: a first portion that supports the sole and a second portion that extends to the top of the foot. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If current orthotic devices are used, then foot support is provided, but wound healing is hindered due to movement and force concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidwound healing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device creates an interior volume between the patient's foot and the shoe that provides cushioning and protection before external forces can affect the foot. This pre-established protective space minimizes movement and distributes forces away from wound areas, facilitating healing while maintaining support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12501966B2Custom 3-d orthotic device

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 FOOTPACT LLC

AI summary

An orthotic support assembly is disclosed herein that includes an internal device configured to be inserted within a person's footwear. The internal device is formed of a cushioning material and extends from an internal surface at a bottom portion of the footwear to an internal surface of a top portion of the footwear.