Therapeutic Sock System with Nested Fluid Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic systems for feet do not effectively enhance the penetration and efficacy of medications, creams, and ointments in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic sock system comprising an interior sock made of flexible elastic polymer and an exterior sock made of a ribbed knitted blend, with therapeutic fluids placed inside the interior sock to provide support and warmth, enhancing the absorption and penetration of foot medications, creams, and ointments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional therapeutic systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the penetration and efficacy of medications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the interior sock is placed inside the exterior sock, creating a layered therapeutic system. The interior sock contains the therapeutic fluid directly against the foot, while the exterior sock provides additional compression and warmth, with each layer nested within the other to maximize therapeutic effect without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The therapeutic system is divided into two separate functional components: an interior sock made of flexible elastic polymer for direct medication delivery, and an exterior sock made of ribbed knitted blend for compression and warmth. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Strength
If the interior sock thickness is increased to provide better support, then the support for therapeutic fluid improves, but the penetration of medications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior sock is designed with varying thickness to provide local quality - thinner in areas requiring maximum medication penetration and slightly thicker in areas needing structural support. This localized variation optimizes both support and penetration effectiveness throughout different regions of the foot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies a precise thickness range (0.9-1.6 mils) for the interior sock, representing an optimized parameter that balances support and penetration. This parameter change from conventional thicker materials enables sufficient medication penetration while maintaining adequate fluid support
3Reliability
If therapeutic systems are made more effective through enhanced penetration, then the treatment efficacy increases, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced therapeutic effectiveness through parameter changes in material selection and thickness specification rather than through complex manufacturing processes. The interior sock uses a specific flexible elastic polymer with controlled thickness (0.9-1.6 mils), and the exterior sock uses a ribbed knitted blend, both of which can be manufactured using standard textile processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite material selection - the interior sock employs a flexible elastic polymer and the exterior sock uses a ribbed knitted blend - to achieve enhanced penetration and effectiveness. These material choices provide superior therapeutic performance while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing methods
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 system increases the effectiveness of foot treatments by up to 50% through enhanced penetration due to sweating, making it suitable for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, while being economically viable and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior sock provides pressure and warmth to the interior sock and therapeutic fluid
Implementation Method 2
increasing the effectiveness of foot medications, creams, lotions and ointments in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner
Data Source
AI summary
An interior sock is fabricated of a flexible elastic polymer. The interior sock has a cylindrical closed toe section, a cylindrical open ankle section and an intermediate heel section. The heel section is provided between the toe and ankle sections. An exterior sock is fabricated of a knitted blend of cotton and a minor portion of an elastic. The exterior sock has a cylindrical closed toe section, a cylindrical open ankle section and an intermediate heel section. The heel section is provided between the toe and ankle sections. A quantity of therapeutic fluid is located within the interior sock. The therapeutic fluid is in contact with a foot of a user. The interior sock provides support for the therapeutic fluid. The exterior sock provides pressure and warmth to the interior sock and the therapeutic fluid.