Variable Resistance Beam for Dynamic Orthotic Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and equipment lack the ability to dynamically adjust stiffness and flexibility, limiting their adaptability to changing user needs and conditions, such as during sports, fitness, medical, and other applications, requiring users to switch between different equipment or suffer from fixed performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The development of a variable resistance beam (VRB) technology that allows for real-time control of stiffness and flexibility through mechanical methods or hand placement, enabling equipment to be adjusted in various planes and orientations, providing customizable resistance and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stiffness equipment is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable resistance beam (VRB) system that allows real-time adjustment of stiffness and flexibility characteristics. The VRB mechanism enables the equipment to transition between different mechanical states, adapting to varying user needs and environmental conditions during operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing simplicity and dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the resistance and stiffness parameters of the beam through the VRB system. By adjusting mechanical parameters such as beam orientation, resistance level, and structural configuration, the equipment can provide customized performance characteristics without requiring multiple different pieces of equipment, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of equipment with different stiffness characteristics are provided, then adaptability improves, but loss of time for switching equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single piece of equipment with multi-functional capabilities through the VRB system. The variable resistance beam enables one equipment to perform multiple functions by adjusting its mechanical characteristics, eliminating the need for users to switch between different equipment pieces and thereby reducing time loss while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the VRB system allows real-time modification of equipment characteristics during use. This eliminates downtime associated with switching equipment, as users can continuously adapt the equipment's stiffness and resistance properties to match their current goals and conditions without interruption.
3Ease of operation
If equipment stiffness is fixed by manufacturer design, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation for customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling users to independently adjust the equipment's resistance and stiffness characteristics through the VRB system. The design allows end-users to customize equipment parameters according to their own needs without requiring manufacturer intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while managing adjustment mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.