Orthotic Support Profiles for Level Foot Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic devices fail to effectively manage pressure on foot ulcers and prevent infection while allowing for stable and level walking, particularly for individuals with diabetes or unstable foot conditions.
Innovation Solution
A set of orthotic supports with varying profiles (rounded, rectilinear, and trapezoidal) are attachable to a shoe sole, each designed to reduce pressure on ulcers and maintain a level walking orientation by inhibiting rocking and uneven foot alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rounded profile orthotic support is used, then the shoe can roll smoothly during walking, but the shoe may rock excessively on the support surface
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic support uses a rounded profile that allows dynamic adaptation during the walking cycle. The curved bottom surface enables the support to roll smoothly during toe-off while maintaining contact stability through its geometric design, resolving the contradiction between smooth rolling motion and foot stability.
2Stress or pressure
If the orthotic support allows rocking motion, then pressure is distributed during walking, but excessive rocking causes instability for users with unstable foot conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic support modifies the contact parameters between shoe and ground through its specific geometric profile. The curved bottom surface with controlled radius and the overall shape parameters are designed to permit beneficial pressure distribution while limiting excessive rocking motion, thereby stabilizing foot orientation for users with unstable foot conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single orthotic support design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot address diverse walking needs and foot conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic support achieves multi-functionality through its geometric design. A single device provides pressure distribution, shock absorption, and walking stability through its integrated curved profile and structural configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized supports while addressing diverse walking needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic support assembly includes a first orthotic support that is attachable to a sole of a shoe to abut a support surface upon which a user is walking. The first orthotic support has a rounded profile thereby facilitating the sole of the shoe to roll on the first orthotic support when the user walks. A second orthotic support is attachable to the sole of the shoe and the second orthotic support has a rectilinear profile to inhibiting the sole of the shoe from rocking on the first orthotic support when the user walks. A third orthotic support is attachable to the sole of the shoe and the third orthotic support has a trapezoidal profile. In this way the sole of the shoe is oriented level on the ground to facilitate a user with an unstable foot to walk in a level orientation.