Shoe Insert Foot Path Director for Rotational Moment Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The typical 'S Curve Path of the Foot' is inefficient, leading to rotational moments in the foot that cause fatigue and energy loss, as the foot path stimulates proprioceptors in a way that results in wasted energy and heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A shoe insert with a foot path director, featuring an elongated longitudinal rib that originates at the heel and extends to the forefoot, guiding the foot along a more direct path from the heel to between the big toe and second toe, thereby reducing rotational moments and improving stride efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the foot follows the natural S Curve Path, then the foot moves along its typical path, but rotational moments are generated causing fatigue and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
A foot path director component is introduced as an intermediary element between the foot and the ground. This director includes a heel portion and a forefoot portion that work together to guide the foot along a more efficient path, reducing the rotational moments that cause energy loss and fatigue while maintaining natural foot movement
2Loss of energy
If a foot path director is added to guide foot motion, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot path director is divided into distinct functional segments: a heel portion and a forefoot portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve the overall goal of guiding foot motion and reducing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The foot path director utilizes flexible, thin components that can conform to the foot and ground surfaces. This approach maintains structural functionality while minimizing added complexity and weight, allowing the director to guide foot motion without being a bulky or rigid structure
Data Source
AI summary
An insertable insole is provided for use with footwear. The insertable insole includes an elongated rib originating at a heel end of the insole and extending substantially linearly towards a forefoot end of the insole. The rib is spaced apart from lateral edges of the insole.