Portable Insole with Localized Thickness for Plantar Arch Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training devices for plantar core muscles are either ineffective in guiding the natural arching of the longitudinal foot arch or are not portable, making it difficult to train the plantar core muscles effectively and conveniently.
Innovation Solution
A portable training device with a supporting portion for the transverse arch of the foot, featuring inner and outer cushioning portions that allow for natural arching of the longitudinal arch without toe bending, enabling dynamic support and use anywhere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed training device with strap and dragging rod is used, then the plantar core muscles can be trained effectively, but the device becomes bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential functional element (supporting portion) from the complex training device, removing the strap and dragging rod components. This leaves a simple, portable sole-shaped device that can be easily carried while maintaining the core training function of supporting the transverse arch to induce longitudinal arching.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be worn directly on the foot as an insole, eliminating the need for external straps or rods. The user simply places the device inside their shoe, and it automatically provides the necessary support structure without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly.
2Strength
If the supporting portion thickness is increased, then the support for transverse arch is improved, but the device becomes less comfortable and harder to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device features non-uniform thickness distribution where the supporting portion has greater thickness (12-20mm) at the transverse arch location to provide strong support, while the cushioning portions at the metatarsophalangeal joints have smaller thickness (5-10mm) for comfort. This local variation in thickness optimizes both support strength and wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines materials with different properties: a firmer material for the supporting portion to provide structural support and a softer, more compliant material for the cushioning portions to ensure comfort during wear. This composite construction allows different regions of the device to serve different functional purposes.
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 trains plantar core muscles by guiding the natural arching of the longitudinal arch, providing comfortable support and allowing for training anywhere, resulting in improved muscle strength and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting portion is configured to be disposed at a portion corresponding to the transverse arch... When the portable training device for plantar core muscles is stepped on with the sole, the supporting portion supports the transverse arch
Implementation Method 2
The inner cushioning portion is configured to be disposed at a position corresponding to the first metatarsophalangeal joint... The outer cushioning portion is configured to be disposed at a position corresponding to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint
Data Source
AI summary
A portable training device for plantar core muscles includes: a supporting portion corresponding in position to a transverse arch of a human sole and having a supporting-portion thickness and an allowable deformation in a Z direction; an inner cushioning portion connected to the supporting portion, corresponding in position to a first metatarsophalangeal joint of the sole, and having an inner-cushioning-portion thickness in the Z direction; and an outer cushioning portion connected to the supporting portion, corresponding in position to a fifth metatarsophalangeal joint of the sole, and having an outer-cushioning-portion thickness in the Z direction. The supporting-portion thickness is greater than the inner- and the outer-cushioning-portion thicknesses. When the portable training device is stepped on with the sole, the supporting portion supports the transverse arch to help train a longitudinal arch of the sole to arch naturally, thereby guiding the plantar core muscles into contraction to strength those muscles.