Segmented Foot Model with Elastic Cords for Club Foot Demonstration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical models fail to demonstrate both normal and abnormal foot structures, particularly for conditions like club foot, and lack the ability to show positional changes, which hinders education and understanding of corrective methods.
Innovation Solution
A foot model composed of segments representing human foot bones, connected by elastic cords that can be manipulated to transition between a normal and an abnormal foot position, allowing demonstration of conditions such as club foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foot model uses fixed rigid segments to represent bone structure, then the structural integrity and anatomical accuracy are maintained, but the model cannot demonstrate positional changes or abnormal foot conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed rigid connections with elastic cords that allow the bone segments to move between different positions. The elastic cords maintain structural stability while enabling the model to demonstrate various foot positions including normal, club foot, and other abnormalities, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot model is divided into multiple separate bone segments (tibia, fibula, talus, calcaneus, metatarsals, phalanges) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each bone to be positioned correctly by individual elastic cords, enabling demonstration of different foot conditions while maintaining anatomical accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foot model uses movable segments connected by elastic cords, then the model can demonstrate positional changes and abnormal conditions, but the structural stability and anatomical precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cords provide dynamic positioning capability while maintaining anatomical precision. Each cord is attached at specific points on the bone segments to reproduce correct anatomical relationships in the normal position, and can accommodate abnormal positions for demonstrating conditions like club foot without compromising the accuracy of the anatomical representation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple elastic cords are used to connect foot bone segments, then the model achieves realistic movement and positional demonstration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot model is segmented into major bone groups (tibia-fibula as one unit, talus-calcaneus as another, metatarsals together, and phalanges together) rather than treating each bone separately. This segmentation reduces the total number of elastic cords needed while still demonstrating the essential movements and abnormalities of club foot treatment realistically.
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
Enables effective education on foot abnormalities and their corrective methods by showcasing the transformation from a normal to an abnormal foot structure, facilitating understanding of club foot treatment through a dynamic and realistic model.
Implementation Method 1
The cords are preferably elastic and can be manipulated such that the model achieves a second position. The elasticity of the cords in conjunction with the resistance on the cord provided by the segments maintains the model in a particular position until the cords are manipulated by a user of the model.
Data Source
AI summary
A foot model having a plurality of segments representing the bones of a human foot. The segments are held together through a series of elastic cords. A portion of the segments contain hollow portions and/or tunnels which the elastic cords are placed in and through. The cords and segments form a first position of the foot model which demonstrates a normal human foot. The cords can be manipulated by pulling and other forces to arrange the segments in a second position. The second position demonstrates a foot ailment or condition such as club foot. The model can be manipulated to regain the first position and any position in between the first and second position.