Night Splint with Adjustable Pneumatic Bladder for Plantar Fasciitis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night splints for treating plantar fasciitis and related foot and ankle conditions are often complex, costly, and result in suboptimal contact and loading, limiting the flexibility of ankle dorsiflexion adjustment and being prone to misplacement of multiple removable parts.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rigid splint with an adjustable pneumatic bladder under the foot, allowing for customizable dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions through air inflation, secured with straps for extended wear, providing optimal pressure distribution and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable wedges are used to adjust dorsiflexion angle, then the angle of dorsiflexion can be adjusted, but the device becomes more complex and parts may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable bladder positioned under the forefoot that can be inflated to different volumes to adjust the dorsiflexion angle. This pneumatic mechanism replaces multiple removable mechanical wedges with a single inflatable element, reducing part count while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inflatable bladder serves multiple functions: it provides dorsiflexion adjustment, acts as a cushioning element, and maintains foot positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If solid or semi-rigid supports are used for splinting, then structural support is provided, but point loading of metatarsal heads occurs causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible inflatable bladder that conforms to the contour of the forefoot. This flexible membrane distributes pressure evenly across the metatarsal area, eliminating point loading while maintaining the necessary splinting support through controlled inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder can be inflated to different volumes and pressures to adjust the level of support and comfort. By changing the inflation parameter, the device provides both structural support and distributed pressure, avoiding the discomfort of rigid point contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple removable parts are used for adjustment, then customization is possible, but ease of operation decreases due to potential misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder with its single-piece design and simple inflation mechanism (via pump or breathable valve) greatly simplifies operation. Users can adjust the dorsiflexion angle by inflating or deflating the bladder without handling multiple removable components, reducing the risk of misplacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows users to self-adjust the dorsiflexion angle by controlling the bladder inflation themselves, without requiring assistance or complex assembly procedures. This self-service capability enhances both ease of operation and customization.
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 alleviates symptoms of plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle pathologies by maintaining precise ankle positioning, enhancing comfort and reducing discomfort associated with point loading, while being easier to use and less expensive than existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable pneumatic bladder under the foot, allowing for customizable dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions through air inflation
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for treating a foot and ankle with a splint and an adjustable bladder. The method includes providing a device including a rigid splint that maintains a heel of the foot and at least one adjustable bladder provided underneath only a front of the foot; adjusting an inflation of the at least one bladder to a treatment inflation state; and maintaining a foot and ankle within the device for an extended period of time such that the foot and ankle are substantially immobilized in a dorsiflexion position or the foot and ankle are substantially immobilized in a position whereby plantarflexion is provided to the ankle.