Segmented Footwear Sole Reducing Joint Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common walking shoes increase dynamic loading on lower extremity joints, contributing to the progression and severity of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, due to their design that differs from barefoot walking.
Innovation Solution
Footwear with a flexible sole featuring flexure zones aligned with primary joint axes of the foot, allowing for reduced transfer of external forces and proprioceptive feedback similar to barefoot walking, thereby reducing joint loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If common walking shoes are worn, then foot protection and support are provided, but dynamic loading on lower extremity joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple flexure zones that correspond to primary joint axes of the foot. These segmented zones allow independent flexion at different locations, enabling the sole to adapt to natural foot motion while reducing joint loading. The segmentation creates localized flexibility without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the sole by incorporating flexure zones with varying degrees of rigidity. The sole transitions from a uniform rigid structure to a non-uniform structure with controlled flexibility at specific locations. This parameter change allows the sole to deform in a manner that reduces the external knee adduction moment while still providing necessary support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If footwear with rigid sole is used, then structural support is maintained, but natural foot motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into rigid and flexible regions. The rigid portions maintain structural support and stability, while the flexure zones provide adaptability for natural foot motion. This segmentation allows the sole to simultaneously exhibit both stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can adapt its rigidity based on the required motion. The flexure zones allow the sole to deform dynamically during gait cycles, accommodating natural foot motion while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
3Reliability
If lateral wedge orthotics are inserted, then knee moments are reduced by 5-7%, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-reducing function previously requiring separate orthotic inserts is merged into the sole structure itself. The flexure zones are integrated directly into the sole, eliminating the need for additional orthotic devices. This merging maintains the knee moment reduction benefit while simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of lateral wedge orthotics (knee moment reduction) and incorporates it directly into the sole design through flexure zones. This extraction eliminates the need for separate orthotic inserts while preserving the therapeutic effect.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Footwear including a flexible sole having a series of flexure zones positioned to correspond to primary joint axes of the human foot approximating the characteristics of a bare foot in motion.