Tri-laminate Orthotic Wedge for Ankle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ankle supports are often expensive and restrictive, failing to provide an effective, affordable solution for ankle instability and protection against inversion injuries.
Innovation Solution
The Sprain Arrestor, a tri-laminate orthotic lateral wedge made from industry standard materials like EVA, Poron, and Plastazote, is designed to be placed inside a shoe, supporting the foot's soft tissue area and preventing inversion by utilizing a Fibonacci curve-based shape and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ankle supports and braces are used, then ankle stability and protection are improved, but cost and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential functional element needed for ankle support - a small lateral wedge placed inside the shoe - eliminating the need for bulky external braces and bandages while maintaining the core stabilizing function
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is made from inexpensive orthopedic materials like EVA foam, making it an affordable alternative to expensive medical braces, though it may need replacement over time
2Reliability
If conventional ankle supports are used, then ankle stability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge utilizes inexpensive, readily available orthopedic materials such as EVA foam that can be manufactured at low cost, providing an affordable alternative to expensive medical braces while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from expensive medical-grade rigid materials to affordable flexible foams, achieving cost reduction while maintaining the necessary support properties through proper material selection and design
3Reliability
If conventional ankle supports are used, then protection against inversion is improved, but comfort and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the restrictive elements like bulky braces and constricting bandages, keeping only the essential lateral wedge that provides protection without compromising comfort or mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is made from flexible foam materials that conform to the foot's anatomy, providing protection against inversion while allowing natural foot movement and maintaining comfort during wear
4Ease of manufacture
If the Sprain Arrestor wedge is placed inside the shoe, then visibility is reduced (aesthetic improvement), but support effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the support element inside the shoe where it is invisible, extracting the aesthetic burden from the external appearance while maintaining all necessary support functions through proper internal placement and design
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 Sprain Arrestor offers affordable, unobtrusive support and protection for the ankle, reducing the need for costly medical services and bulky braces while effectively stabilizing the foot's arches.
Implementation Method 1
The Sprain Arrestor can be made, for example, via cutting and shaping industry standard orthopedic multi-durometer tri-laminate material
Data Source
AI summary
The Sprain Arrestor is an orthotic wedge made of cut and shaped industry standard multidurometer tri-laminate material which by its size and shape and placement inside the shoe offers an inexpensive alternative to bulky bracing and or elastic minimally supportive bandages and wrappings which can restrict circulation. Its use is totally dependent upon the need of the user.