Sock Arch Support Assemblage for Foot Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socks inadequately provide structural support to the arch, Achilles tendon, and ankle regions of the foot, leading to pain and strain, particularly for individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, as they focus primarily on cushioning rather than structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A sock design featuring one or more support assemblages with lower elasticity coefficients in specific regions, such as the arch, Achilles tendon, and ankle, providing additional structural support and stability through tuck-stitching or denser weaves to reinforce proper curvature and alleviate pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cushioning materials are used to protect the foot, then comfort is improved, but structural support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sock incorporates support assemblages with different material properties in specific regions (arch, Achilles tendon, ankle) versus the rest of the sock body. The support assemblages use materials with lower elasticity coefficients and higher structural integrity, while other regions use softer cushioning materials. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing structural support where needed while maintaining comfort elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials with different properties: cushioning materials (higher elasticity) for general comfort and support materials (lower elasticity) for structural reinforcement. This composite approach allows the sock to simultaneously provide both cushioning protection and structural support, resolving the contradiction between comfort and strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform elasticity is used throughout the sock, then manufacturing is simple, but regional support needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The sock is divided into distinct functional segments: a sock body with uniform elasticity for comfort, and separate support assemblages with specialized materials for structural support in critical regions. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and regional support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different regions of the sock based on specific functional requirements. The support assemblages in the arch, Achilles tendon, and ankle regions use materials with lower elasticity coefficients, while the rest of the sock uses materials with higher elasticity for comfort. This localized quality differentiation meets regional support needs without overly complicating manufacturing.
3Strength
If thicker materials are used for support, then structural integrity is improved, but breathability and airflow are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Thicker, more structurally intact materials are used only in the support assemblages where structural integrity is critical (arch, Achilles tendon, ankle), while thinner, more breathable materials are used in the rest of the sock body. This localized application of thick materials minimizes the impact on overall breathability while providing necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock combines materials with different thickness and breathability characteristics: denser, less breathable materials in support assemblages for structural integrity, and lighter, more breathable materials in non-support regions. This composite material strategy balances structural requirements with breathability needs, resolving the contradiction between strength and airflow.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a sock having one or more support assemblages for providing structural support to one or more regions of the foot of the wearer. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an arch support assemblage that is adapted to cover an arch of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an Achilles support assemblage that is adapted to cover the Achilles tendon of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, a support assemblage may be an ankle support assemblage that is adapted to cover a portion of the ankle of the foot. In some exemplary embodiments, the sock may comprise multiple support assemblages to provide structural support to different regions of the foot of the wearer. Typically, a support assemblage will have an elasticity coefficient that is lower than an elasticity coefficient of the other areas of the sock.