Toe-Separating Foot Pads for Hygienic Between-Toe Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot drying methods fail to effectively dry hard-to-reach areas between toes and prevent microbial cross-contamination, particularly for individuals with reduced mobility or sensitivity, pain, or skin integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

A foot drying device with a device body housing an air dispersion system, gel or soft foot pads with protruding toe separators and air vents, and interchangeable plenums to direct airflow to all areas of the foot, including between toes, while allowing for easy water drainage and sanitation through removable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional drying methods are used, then drying is simple, but hard-to-reach areas between toes cannot be dried effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot pad is segmented into multiple functional zones with toe separators that divide the foot into individual toe compartments. This segmentation allows air to reach between each toe independently, solving the problem of drying hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the foot pad have different properties: the toe separators provide structural division, air vents create localized airflow channels, and the gel material provides conformal contact. This local differentiation of qualities enables effective drying of specific hard-to-reach areas without complicating the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-size foot pads are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot accommodate different foot sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot size accommodationVSAvoidpad customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foot pad design incorporates adjustable elements and universal sizing features that allow a single pad design to accommodate multiple foot sizes. The toe separators and air vents can be positioned or configured to work effectively across different foot dimensions, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized pad designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If continuous use of foot pads is allowed, then operation is simple, but microbial cross-contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous useVSAvoidmicrobial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The foot pads are designed as disposable components that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the risk of microbial cross-contamination between patients while maintaining ease of operation, as the disposable nature requires no cleaning or sanitization procedures. The low cost of the disposable pads makes this approach practical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The foot pads are extracted as removable, replaceable components from the drying device. This allows them to be easily removed and discarded after use, preventing cross-contamination. The extraction principle enables the pads to be separated from the main device body, facilitating their disposal or replacement without affecting the permanent structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If water accumulates in the device, then structure is simple, but sanitation and drainage become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidsanitation maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates pre-designed drainage pathways and water collection features that are built into the structure from the beginning. These preliminary drainage provisions prevent water accumulation issues before they arise, eliminating the need for complex post-installation sanitation systems while maintaining relatively simple device construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures thorough drying of feet, including hard-to-reach areas, and prevents microbial cross-contamination by directing airflow and allowing for customizable sizing and sanitation, making it suitable for various users and settings.

Implementation Method 1

an air flow generator delivers air from the air flow generator to the base of the foot wells, and through the right and left foot pads to the surface of the foot pads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

The right and left foot pads are preferably of a gel or soft material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel material properties: Gel

Data Source

PatentUS8065814B2Foot drying device

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 DRI EM

AI summary

A foot dryer designed to provide air flow between a patient's toes for drying the bottoms of a patient's feet and especially between their toes. Toe separators are provided on a pair of replaceable gel foot beds for improved sanitation and comfort for the patient. The footpads are replaceable in order to decrease cross contamination from one user to another. Air vents are provided to direct air flow to hard to dry areas such as between a user's toes.