Removable Orthotic Support Components for Footwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic foot devices with removable support components often compromise comfort and wearability by directly attaching support components to the insole, which can affect the fit and usability of footwear.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic foot device with adjustable support components, such as arch and metatarsal supports, that are removably attached to a flexible insole chassis using Velcro or similar attachment systems, allowing for customizable support levels and easy interchangeability, while maintaining comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support components are directly attached to the insole, then support function is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into separate functional components: a base insole and removable support components. The support components can be detached and reattached as needed, allowing the user to customize the support level while maintaining comfort. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling support function to be activated only when needed, rather than being permanently fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support components are designed with removable and reattachable characteristics, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic one. Users can adjust the support configuration based on their activity level and comfort preferences, making the system adaptable rather than fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between support function and wearability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support components are directly attached to the insole, then support structure is stabilized, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure into separate removable components, the system maintains structural stability when supports are attached while enabling adaptability when removed or reconfigured. This allows users to customize support levels for different activities, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable support components can be used with different insole types and footwear styles, providing universal applicability. The same support components can adapt to various support needs (arch support, metatarsal support, etc.), enhancing versatility while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
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 solution provides customizable support for the foot, enhancing comfort and performance by allowing users to select the desired level of support, thus improving the overall fit and usability of footwear without compromising comfort.
Implementation Method 1
removably attached to a flexible insole chassis using Velcro or similar attachment systems
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of footwear having the orthotic foot device and method of making it is disclosed herein. The device provides support for the foot when used in footwear, in certain regions of the foot such as in the arch and metatarsal regions, in a manner that is very comfortable and yet supportive to the wearer. The embodiment of the orthotic foot device may provide at least one secure, but easily adjusted support component for a region of the foot such as the arch and metatarsal regions. The support component may be removably attached to a cushioned supportive footbed or chassis to provide an increased walking/running comfort and performance. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that at least one of the support components may be fixedly or integrally attached to the footbed or chassis.