Pivotable Toe Plate Foot Stretching Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with limited general flexibility face challenges in stretching their foot structures, particularly the muscles associated with the plantar fascia, due to difficulty accessing their forefoot manually.
Innovation Solution
A foot stretching device comprising a base for the rear portion of the foot and a pivotable toe plate, where a tensile force applied to a member engages the toe plate to extend the toes, facilitating stretching of the foot tissues, especially the plantar fascia, with adjustable components to accommodate different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stretching is used, then flexibility can be improved, but it is difficult for individuals with limited general flexibility to access their forefoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of a toe plate and pulling member that mediates the stretching action. Instead of requiring direct manual access to the forefoot, the device provides a mechanical interface where the user applies force to the pulling member, which then translates this force into controlled toe extension through the pivotable toe plate mechanism.
2Power
If a rigid base is used, then tensile force is converted efficiently into toe plate pivoting, but the base must be sufficiently stiff to prevent flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the base rigid specifically at the regions where force application and pivot support are required, while allowing the toe plate to remain pivotable at its hinge point. The base is designed with sufficient local stiffness to prevent flexing under load, ensuring efficient force transmission, while other parts of the system maintain the necessary mobility for the stretching function.
3Ease of operation
If the toe plate is pivotable, then toe extension is achieved, but the connection between toe plate and base must allow rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional components: a fixed base, a pivotable toe plate, and a pulling member. The toe plate is separated from the base by a pivot connection, allowing independent movement of each component. This segmentation enables the toe plate to rotate freely for toe extension while the base remains stable, simplifying the overall design by using basic mechanical elements rather than complex integrated mechanisms.
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 device effectively stretches and strengthens the foot muscles, improving mobility and flexibility, particularly beneficial for those with limited flexibility, by efficiently converting tensile force into toe plate movement without base flexing, and allowing for progressive strengthening with repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
a toe plate for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched thereon, wherein the toe plate is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base; and a member coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate such that a tensile force applied to the member pivots the toe plate relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A foot stretching device for stretching the structures of a foot comprises a base for receiving a rear portion of the foot to be stretched and a toe plate for receiving the toes of the foot to be stretched. The toe plate is disposed on and pivotable relative to the base. The device further comprises a member coupled to and/or configured to engage the toe plate, such that a tensile force applied to the member by a user pivots the toe plate relative to the base. and thus the user's toes relative to the rear portion of their foot. This action causes the toes to move into a more extended position thus producing a stretch in the tissues of the foot, in particular the musculature associated with the planar fascia.