Segmented Prosthetic Foot Cover with Compression Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prosthetic foot covers restrict transverse movement, multi-axial performance, and durability, are difficult to install and remove, have large internal cavities that allow fluid and debris collection, and lack variable stiffness and user feedback.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component prosthetic foot cover system with detachable components made from materials like polyurethane, featuring internal cavities that directly contact the foot for support and a means for attaching components, such as compression bands, to prevent movement and fluid accumulation, while allowing transverse movement and providing variable stiffness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a one-piece shell foot cover is used, then the structure is simple, but it restricts transverse movement and multi-axial performance of prosthetic feet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidtransverse movement and multi-axial performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foot cover is divided into multiple segments including a toe portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the cover to accommodate transverse movement and multi-axial performance while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a conventional one-piece foot cover is used, then manufacturing is simple, but installation and removal are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foot cover comprises a toe portion, midfoot portion, and heel portion that can be separately installed and removed. The heel portion can be detached to facilitate easy installation and removal of the entire foot cover while maintaining manufacturability of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If a conventional foot cover is used, then the internal cavity is large, but this allows prosthetic feet to move relative to the cover and collect fluids and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal cavity volumeVSAvoidfluid and debris collection prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The internal cavity is configured with specific local characteristics including a heel recess that receives the heel of the prosthetic foot and a plantar surface that contacts the prosthetic foot. This localized design reduces unnecessary space while maintaining proper fit and preventing fluid and debris collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If conventional materials like silicone or EVA foam are used, then the cover is soft and comfortable, but it has dampening effect that decreases fidelity of ground reaction forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidfidelity of ground reaction forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The foot cover is made from polyurethane material with specific physical properties including durometer hardness of 85A-95A. This material parameter selection provides both comfort through appropriate softness and maintains fidelity of ground reaction forces by avoiding excessive dampening effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the functionality and durability of prosthetic feet by allowing unrestricted movement, preventing fluid and debris accumulation, and providing improved support and user feedback, leading to a longer lifespan and reduced internal stresses.

Implementation Method 1

Conventional foot covers also do not have a variable stiffness from a higher stiffness near the prosthetic foot interface to a softer stiffness at the shoe or ground interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable stiffness:

Implementation Method 2

a means for attaching the components, such as compression bands, to prevent movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

provide the user with sufficient feedback, unimpeded flexion, and energy return

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS10874529B2Apparatus and method for a prosthetic foot cover

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 FILLAUER COMPOSITES LLC

AI summary

A prosthetic foot cover for a prosthetic foot having a sagittal plane and a plantar surface including a first cover component having a first internal cavity and being adapted to receive and cover a first portion of the prosthetic foot, a second cover component having a second internal cavity and being adapted to receive and cover a second portion of the prosthetic foot, and a means for detachably attaching the first cover component and the second cover component to the prosthetic foot. The first internal cavity has a first internal cavity contacting surface that directly contacts the first portion of the prosthetic foot, and the second internal cavity has a second internal cavity contacting surface that directly contacts the second portion of the prosthetic foot. A method for installing the prosthetic foot cover on the prosthetic foot.