Shoe Heel Integration for AFO Brace Accommodation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ankle foot orthosis (AFO) braces add bulk and weight to the foot, requiring larger shoes that can be uncomfortable and impractical, limiting the wearer's ability to wear correctly sized footwear.

Innovation Solution

A heel integration system with an insert configured to receive the AFO brace, featuring a heel portion and ankle portion with indentations and protrusions for secure fitting, allowing the AFO brace to be integrated into a conventional shoe without increasing the shoe size, using durable materials like silicone for long-term use and customization through 3D printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional AFO brace is used, then the foot receives support and control, but the shoe size must be increased to accommodate the bulk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot support and controlVSAvoidshoe size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The AFO brace is nested within the shoe cavity by integrating it with the insole structure. The brace becomes part of the shoe's internal architecture, allowing the foot to receive orthotic support without increasing the external dimensions of the shoe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The AFO brace is positioned in the vertical dimension within the shoe's internal cavity rather than extending horizontally beyond the shoe's exterior. This dimensional repositioning allows support functionality without increasing shoe length or width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a conventional AFO brace is used, then the foot receives support, but the weight of the shoe increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot supportVSAvoidshoe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The AFO brace is merged with the insole to create a unified support structure. This integration eliminates redundant materials and reduces overall weight while maintaining the foot support function through the combined structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If shoe padding is removed to accommodate the insert, then the insert fits properly, but the shoe structure is modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert installationVSAvoidshoe modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe is pre-modified by removing padding and creating a cavity before the insert is installed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the subsequent insertion process and ensures proper fit of the orthotic device without requiring complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11730235B2Heel integration for a shoe

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 BROWN TIMESHA

AI summary

A combination, comprising:a shoe having an upper and a sole, wherein the shoe is configured to cover an instep of a foot of a wearer; anda heel integration system including an insert having a front end and a back end, the insert configured to be disposed in the shoe, and configured to receive an ankle-foot orthoses brace while the shoe is worn, the insert having a heel portion and an ankle portion, the ankle portion having a curved wall with at least one bulge formed therein,wherein the bulge is created from an indentation formed on an interior surface of the ankle portion which forms a protrusion on an exterior surface of the ankle portion.