Tri-layer Orthotic System Energy Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern human environments with hard surfaces increase impact energies on the musculoskeletal system during the gait cycle, leading to physical damage and injuries, particularly in the foot or ankle, which can further affect other areas like the knee, hip, or lower back.

Innovation Solution

A tri-layer orthotic system with configurable components, including an upper layer, a mid layer, and a base layer, designed to absorb and return energy during the gait cycle by forming different spring or suspension areas, thereby reducing excessive forces and promoting proper alignment and function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hard surfaces are used in modern environments, then structural strength and durability are improved, but impact energy on the musculoskeletal system increases causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidimpact energy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful impact energy from hard surfaces into beneficial elastic potential energy storage and return. The orthotic device's resilient materials absorb impact energy during compression and return it during the propulsive phase, transforming what was purely harmful into a beneficial force that aids locomotion while protecting the musculoskeletal system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The orthotic device acts as an intermediary between the hard ground surface and the human foot. It introduces compliant, energy-storing materials that mediate the interaction, reducing the direct transmission of harmful impact forces while maintaining structural support and enabling energy return for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If traditional rigid orthotics are used, then structural support is improved, but energy absorption and return capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidenergy absorption and return

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device employs composite material construction combining rigid support structures with resilient, energy-storing materials. This allows simultaneous achievement of structural support function and energy absorption/return capability, with different zones of the device providing different mechanical properties as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes materials and structures with variable mechanical parameters - regions of high stiffness for support and regions of low stiffness for energy storage. The resilient materials exhibit non-linear elastic properties that allow energy absorption at compression and return during extension, dynamically changing effective stiffness based on loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the orthotic system provides strong structural support, then alignment control is improved, but natural motion and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment controlVSAvoidnatural motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device is segmented into functional zones with different properties - rigid support regions for alignment control and compliant regions for natural motion accommodation. This segmentation allows the device to provide structural support where needed while permitting natural foot and ankle motion in other areas, improving comfort and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 tri-layer orthotic system effectively mitigates pathological forces, reduces shock and jar during heel strike, and improves biomechanical control of the foot and ankle, leading to better alignment and reduced wear and tear on the body during gait.

Implementation Method 1

a mid layer configured to connect to the base layer and the upper layer... configured to absorb and return energy during the gait cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

configured to absorb and return energy during the gait cycle by forming different spring or suspension areas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic energy return: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250032297A1Hybrid orthotic system

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SUBIOMED INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed including a tri-layer orthotic comprising an upper layer, a base layer, and a mid layer configured to suspend the upper layer over the base layer. A first receptacle can receive and couple the upper layer to the mid layer. A second receptacle can receive and couple the base layer to the mid layer. A hybrid orthotic system can include a support coupled to the upper layer of the tri-layer orthotic configured to secure a lower leg portion of a patient to the upper layer. An orthotic system can include a tuning element configured to couple to at least one of the upper layer, the base layer, or the mid layer. The orthotic system can include a tray for holding the tuning element prior to coupling the tuning element to the tri-layer orthotic.