Stiff Liquid-Filled Insole for Rapid Balance Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-filled insoles do not effectively improve balance, which is crucial for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and post-stroke rehabilitation, as they primarily focus on weight distribution rather than nerve stimulation for balance improvement.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-filled insole with two membrane foils, one having very low elasticity and high stiffness, filled with low viscosity liquid, such as water, to rapidly respond to load changes by flowing from one foot area to another, enhancing balance response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft highly elastic plastic foils are used in liquid-filled insoles to maximize surface area against the foot, then weight distribution and comfort are improved, but balance improvement through nerve stimulation is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft highly elastic plastic to stiff plastic foil with very low elasticity. This parameter change transforms the insole's function from primarily comfort-oriented to balance-oriented, enabling rapid nerve stimulation while still providing weight distribution through the liquid-filled mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining stiff plastic foil with liquid filling. This composite material approach allows the insole to simultaneously provide the structural rigidity needed for rapid response and balance improvement, while the liquid component continues to provide weight distribution and comfort
2Ease of operation
If highly viscous liquid is used in insoles to distribute weight evenly, then weight distribution is improved, but response speed to load changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the liquid viscosity parameter from high (honey-like) to low (water-like). This enables the liquid to rapidly flow and redistribute in response to load changes, providing fast neural feedback for balance improvement while still maintaining effective weight distribution across the foot
3Reliability
If stiff plastic foil with very low elasticity is used in the insole, then balance response speed is improved, but comfort and shock absorption may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into one integrated system: the stiff plastic foil provides rapid balance response and neural stimulation, while the liquid filling provides weight distribution and shock absorption. This combination allows both comfort and balance improvement to coexist
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 insole improves balance, reduces foot sole load, increases blood circulation, and prevents neuropathy, leading to less fatigue and better performance in sports, particularly benefiting diabetes patients and individuals in rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
by means of the hydraulic pressure of the liquid allow the insoles to form a large surface against the foot
Data Source
Figure 1~1.2
Figure 2
Figure 3~3.5
AI summary
An insole made of two membrane foils, between which a liquid is provided. The membrane foils have very little elasticity and high stiffness to respond quickly to load by pushing liquid quickly from an area under the foot to another area of the foot, by which the balance response is made faster for a person who uses such insoles. Especially in the field of multiple sclerosis, post-stroke rehabilitation, golf and race have such insoles have proven to be very advantageous.