Segmented Ankle Orthosis Shank and Sole for Stability and Reclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle orthoses often fail to simultaneously stabilize the ankle joint, support foot reclination, and facilitate shoe donning, limiting their versatility in clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
An ankle orthosis design featuring an elongate upper with both flexible and rigid sections, along with three strategically placed Velcro straps, allowing for adjustable fitting and multiple functional uses, including stabilization, reclination support, and shoe assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shaft and sole element are connected rigidly in one piece, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to support foot reclination and adapt to different clinical conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into a rigid proximal section and a flexible distal section, while the sole element is divided into a rigid central section and flexible lateral sections. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the rigid parts provide structural stability and support, while the flexible parts allow movement and adaptation during foot reclination and shoe donning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the orthosis have different mechanical properties - the proximal shaft and central sole are rigid for stability, while the distal shaft and lateral sole sections are flexible for movement. This local differentiation of material properties enables the orthosis to simultaneously maintain structural integrity and accommodate dynamic foot movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple straps and fasteners are added to achieve multiple functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is designed as a multi-functional device that can serve as an ankle orthosis, foot orthosis, and shoe donning aid simultaneously. The segmented rigid-flexible structure and strategically placed straps enable the same device to perform multiple clinical functions without requiring separate orthotic devices.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible sections are made longer to improve comfort and movement, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sections are segmented and positioned specifically in the distal shaft and lateral sole areas, allowing controlled movement where needed while maintaining rigidity in the proximal and central regions for overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material properties are applied locally to specific sections that require movement, while rigid materials are used in sections requiring stability. This localized application of different material qualities optimizes both comfort and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ankle joint orthosis which comprises a shank, which extends from the heel across the ankle and is open across the tibia, a sole element connected to said shank, and a first and second strap for fastening the orthosis to the lower leg and foot, characterized in that: the shank (1) and the sole element (2) each have an inflexible portion (1a, 2a) and a flexible portion (1b, 2b), the inflexible sole portion (2a) extending from the heel to the arch and the flexible sole portion (2b) extending at least from the arch in the direction of the toes; the first strap (3) is fastened to the distal edge of the flexible shank portion (1b), the second strap (4) is fastened to the distal end of the inflexible sole portion (2a); and a third strap (5) is fastened to said distal end. The three straps (3, 4, 5) can be guided transversely in front of the lower leg, across the instep and around the inner and outer malleolus or around the foot.