Swivel-Joint Foot Orthosis for Comfortable Hallux Valgus Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot orthoses for treating hallux valgus often require a resting position and directly apply forces to sensitive areas of the metatarsophalangeal joint, leading to discomfort and limited effectiveness in correcting foot malpositions.
Innovation Solution
A foot orthosis with a swivel joint that pivotably connects a toe splint and a metatarsal splint, exerting corrective forces on the toe and metatarsophalangeal joint while avoiding direct contact with sensitive areas, allowing for a compact design and comfortable wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing foot orthoses directly apply forces to the metatarsophalangeal joint, then therapeutic effect is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pressure on sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits corrective forces to the metatarsophalangeal joint indirectly. Instead of directly pressing on the sensitive ball-shaped protrusion, the swivel joint delivers forces through its pivot mechanism, reducing direct pressure on painful areas while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of force application by using a swivel joint mechanism that can deliver corrective forces through rotational movement rather than direct compression. This allows the orthosis to apply therapeutic forces while avoiding excessive pressure on sensitive areas of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
2Reliability
If foot orthoses require a resting position for therapy, then therapeutic treatment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint introduces dynamic movement capability to the orthosis, allowing it to function during active toe movement rather than requiring a static resting position. The joint enables the orthosis to adapt to the natural flexion and extension movements of the big toe, making it suitable for use during daily activities while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If foot orthoses use a compact design, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is segmented into distinct functional components: a toe portion, a metatarsal portion, and a swivel joint connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the swivel joint serving as a compact connection mechanism that enables movement while maintaining overall device compactness.
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 swivel joint design reduces pressure on sensitive foot regions, provides effective therapeutic correction of hallux valgus, and allows for comfortable wear during daily activities, enhancing patient compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a toe splint (16) configured to be fastened to a toe (12) and a metatarsal splint (17) configured to be fastened to a metatarsal region of the foot, wherein the toe splint (16) and the metatarsal splint (17) are pivotably connected relative to one another by means of a swivel joint (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A foot orthosis for correcting foot malpositions, in particular for treating hallux valgus, comprising a toe splint configured to be fastened to a toe and a metatarsal splint configured to be fastened to a metatarsal region of the foot, each of which are pivotably connected relative to one another by means of a swivel joint When the foot orthosis is fastened to the foot, the foot orthosis is configured to exert a first corrective force on the toe via the toe splint and to exert a second corrective force on a metatarsophalangeal joint via the swivel joint in the opposite direction to the first corrective force The swivel joint is provided with a recess which extends along a swivel axis of the swivel joint and is designed such that, when fastened to the foot, a sideways protruding section of the metatarsophalangeal joint is received in the recess.