Pneumatic Foot-Stretching Boot With Pivot Plate for Safe Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
It can be difficult for individuals to properly, safely, and timely execute stretching exercises for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, and stretching is also beneficial for preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis, but existing methods lack ease and safety.
Innovation Solution
A patient-worn therapeutic apparatus comprising a boot with a pivotally disposed plate and a selectively inflatable bladder that pivots the foot towards the shin, controlled by a control circuit and pneumatic pump, allowing for controlled stretching without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual stretching exercises are performed, then stretching benefit is achieved, but safety and proper execution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stretching apparatus performs the stretching action automatically through the inflatable bladder applying force to the foot, eliminating the need for the patient to manually execute the stretching motion. The system serves itself by using the patient's own foot position and the inflatable bladder's automatic inflation to achieve the therapeutic stretch without requiring active patient participation or expertise in proper technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder acts as an intermediary between the patient's foot and the stretching force. Instead of the patient directly applying force to their own foot (which is difficult and unsafe), the bladder mediates the application of controlled pneumatic pressure to achieve the desired stretching effect safely and consistently.
2Ease of operation
If automated pneumatic stretching is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles through the inflatable bladder to achieve stretching. By utilizing compressed air or gas to inflate the bladder, the system generates the necessary force for stretching without requiring complex mechanical actuators, motors, or hydraulic systems. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the boot structure, the pivotally disposed plate, the inflatable bladder, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently and can be manufactured and assembled separately, reducing overall device complexity and facilitating maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stretching angle is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different foot sizes and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is pivotally disposed rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate to different angles. This dynamic configuration enables the apparatus to adapt to different foot sizes and stretching requirements without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms. The pivot point naturally accommodates variations in foot geometry while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Facilitates safe and effective stretching of the foot with minimal user effort, accommodating various foot sizes and conditions, and can be used for extended periods, including during sleep.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively inflatable bladder disposed on an underside of the plate and configured to cause the plate to selectively pivot the patient's foot towards the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-worn therapeutic apparatus that includes a boot, a plate, and a selectively inflatable bladder. The boot is configured to accommodate a patient's foot and the plate is pivotally disposed within the boot. By one approach the pivot point is disposed proximal to the foot's arch when the patient's foot is accommodated by the boot. The selectively inflatable bladder is disposed on an underside of the plate and is configured to cause the plate to selectively pivot the patient's foot towards the patient when the patient's foot is accommodated by the boot.