Elastic Sock Plantar Flexion Prevention Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for treating plantar fascitis and related foot or ankle conditions often fail to maintain the foot in a neutral to slightly dorsiflexed position, which is optimal for healing, and may overstretch the foot intrinsic and toe flexors instead of providing a plantar fascia stretch, lacking comprehensive ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion management.

Innovation Solution

A plantar flexion prevention device comprising an elastic sock with an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap and an adjustable cuff, which provides a dorsiflexion pull to maintain the foot in a neutral position, stimulating blood flow and allowing for adjustable toe extension or flexion to prevent plantar flexion and promote healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid device is used to maintain foot position, then the foot can be kept in a neutral to slightly dorsiflexed position, but the device is difficult to wear and has reduced user compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot position maintenanceVSAvoiduser compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sock made of elastic material (such as spandex or nylon) that covers the foot and lower leg. This flexible shell provides the necessary support to maintain foot position while being comfortable enough for continuous wear during sleep, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable position maintenance and user compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If a soft and semi-rigid device is used, then the device is easier to sleep in with increased user compliance, but it overstretches the foot intrinsic and toe flexors instead of providing a plantar fascia stretch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser complianceVSAvoidstretching effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a specifically designed inversion strap that applies localized force to the foot. The strap is positioned to pull the foot into inversion and dorsiflexion, creating a focused stretching effect on the plantar fascia without overstretching other structures. This localized quality approach allows the soft device to maintain both comfort and therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of moving object

If the foot is kept in a plantar flexed position during sleep, then the plantar fascia can rest, but it heals in a shortened position which exacerbates the condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverest periodVSAvoidhealing position

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a continuous gentle stretching force throughout the sleep period through the elastic sock and inversion strap mechanism. This preliminary and sustained action prevents the foot from settling into a plantar flexed position, ensuring the plantar fascia heals in a neutral or slightly dorsiflexed position while still allowing rest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If an inelastic strap is used to provide dorsiflexion pull, then effective plantar fascia stretching is achieved, but the device lacks adjustability for different users and conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretching forceVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an inelastic inversion strap for providing reliable stretching force with an elastic adjustable cuff that can be positioned at different heights on the lower leg. The cuff features adjustable fastening mechanisms (such as Velcro straps) that allow customization for different user sizes and conditions. This dynamic combination maintains effective stretching while providing necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 maintains the foot in a neutral dorsiflexed position, preventing plantar flexion, promoting blood flow and healing, and providing adjustable stretching options to address muscular imbalances and soft tissue restrictions without the need for surgery.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic sock with an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

provides a dorsiflexion pull to maintain the foot in a neutral position, stimulating blood flow and allowing for adjustable toe extension or flexion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlood flow stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS8246562B2Plantar flexion prevention device

Publication Date: 2012.08.21 COLON JACQUELINE

AI summary

The plantar flexion prevention device is an elastic sock. The sock extends over a foot to a calf area above the foot. A heel portion has a first attachment mechanism positioned near a plantar surface of a heel of the foot. There is an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap that has two members securely attached to the elastic sock near the plantar surface of a metatarsalphalangeal joint region of the foot. A third member has a second attachment mechanism positioned in a middle portion of the third member. There is an inelastic toe strap that extends from a toe portion of the sock. A separate adjustable cuff with a third attachment mechanism is positioned above the calf area of the leg. The inelastic toe strap attaches to the second attachment mechanism of the inverted Y-shaped strap for toe extension, and can attach to the first attachment mechanism for toe flexion.