Varus Valgus Correcting Device with Dynamic Shoe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing varus/valgus correcting devices fail to allow users to walk stably and smoothly due to structural issues with foot fixation, preventing effective ankle bending and rotation of tibia and fibula.
Innovation Solution
A varus/valgus correcting device with a support frame, leg fixing parts, and a corrective shoe that allows independent bending and stretching at the knee and ankle positions, featuring a connection portion between the shoe and the support frame for horizontal adjustment, enabling stable foot placement and rotation of tibia and fibula.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foot is fixed rigidly to the support frame, then the correction effectiveness is improved, but the user cannot walk stably and smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion between the corrective shoe and support frame is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the ankle to bend and rotate naturally while walking. This dynamic connection maintains correction effectiveness through the adjustable connection while enabling smooth ankle movement, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and walking stability.
2Reliability
If the ankle bending is restricted, then the correction of tibia and fibula rotation is improved, but the user experiences difficulty in walking
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion allows dynamic movement at the ankle joint, permitting bending and rotation during walking while maintaining the corrective force on the tibia and fibula. This resolves the contradiction by making the correction system adaptable to natural ankle motion rather than restricting it.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the fixation function (on tibia and fibula) from the ankle joint function, allowing independent movement at the ankle while maintaining correction at the target bones. The connection portion acts as an independent segment that accommodates ankle motion without compromising the correction effect.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connection portion is positioned at the highest level of the shoe, then the structural stability is improved, but the ankle movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is positioned between the bottom and highest level of the shoe, creating an optimal balance point that provides structural stability while allowing natural ankle bending and rotation. This intermediate positioning resolves the contradiction by avoiding both extreme positions (top for stability, bottom for freedom).
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a varus/valgus correcting device, and more particularly, to a varus/valgus correcting device devised to correct varus (i.e., genu verum (O-shaped leg)) and valgus (i.e., genu valgum (X-shaped leg)) by rotating tibia and fibula and allow a wearer to easily walk.