Toe Protector with Asymmetric Support for Blisters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively prevent and alleviate blisters on the toes during prolonged walking or exercise, causing discomfort and pain, with limited options available for addressing toe blisters specifically.
Innovation Solution
A toe protecting apparatus featuring a base with an opening, an encloser with a support part thicker on one side to absorb torsional forces, and wing parts to prevent rotation and irritation, made from soft materials like silicone, which surrounds the toe to reduce pressure and promote sweat evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toe protecting apparatus is designed with uniform thickness, then it provides general protection, but it cannot effectively absorb torsional forces that cause blisters on specific sides of the toe
Solution Approach 1:
The encloser is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a support part with greater thickness on one side (first thickness) and lesser thickness on the other side (second thickness). This local quality variation allows the apparatus to specifically absorb torsional forces applied to blister candidate areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding the need for additional support members.
2Reliability
If the encloser completely surrounds the toe, then it provides maximum protection, but it traps sweat and causes irritation and odor
Solution Approach 1:
The encloser is designed with multiple holes formed therein, allowing sweat to be discharged from the interior space. This porous structure maintains the protective encloser design while preventing sweat accumulation, thereby reducing irritation and odor without compromising the protective function.
3Reliability
If the toe protecting apparatus is made with thick support parts, then it absorbs torsional forces well, but it increases pressure and irritation on adjacent toes
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized thickness increase only where torsional force absorption is needed. The design carefully balances the first thickness (greater) and second thickness (lesser) to absorb forces on the affected side while minimizing pressure on adjacent toes, thus resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and comfort.
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 apparatus effectively prevents new blisters and quickly alleviates existing ones without irritating adjacent toes, ensuring comfort during walking and exercise by targeting the specific areas where blisters form and allowing for easy use and sweat management.
Implementation Method 1
an encloser, between the base and the end, having a hollow for surrounding the toe and providing a support part which is thicker on any one side than the other side in the longitudinal direction to absorb a torsional force applied to a blister candidate of the toe
Implementation Method 2
The end is designed to be opened to reduce irritation and allow sweat to evaporate
Data Source
AI summary
A toe protecting apparatus according to the present invention prevents blisters from forming by providing a support part that is thicker on any one side than the other side in the longitudinal direction.