Ventilative Orthopedic Boot with Air Cushion and Slit Leg Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthopedic boots are non-ventilative, causing discomfort due to stiff edges that abut against the calf and are made of hard rubber, leading to an uncomfortable wearing experience.

Innovation Solution

A ventilative orthopedic boot design featuring an air cushion, expandable leg support with slits, and multiple vents, along with an adjustable toecap and front cover with vents, to enhance comfort and fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the leg support has a stiff edge to provide structural support, then the structural strength is improved, but the comfort is worsened due to calf abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcalf abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The leg support incorporates a flexible edge portion that can deform to conform to the user's calf shape, replacing the traditional stiff edge. This flexible edge is constructed with multiple layers including a deformable outer layer and an inner layer, allowing it to provide structural support while preventing abrasion by adapting to the body contour.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

An air cushion is integrated into the boot body at the location where the leg support meets the calf. This air cushion acts as a protective layer that prevents direct contact between the stiff leg support edge and the calf, thereby preventing abrasion while maintaining the structural integrity of the leg support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the boot is made of hard rubber to provide durability, then the strength is improved, but the comfort is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boot employs a composite structure combining hard rubber for the main body (providing durability and structural support) with soft, flexible materials for the edge portion and air cushion (providing comfort). The edge portion uses a deformable material that can conform to the body, while the air cushion provides additional cushioning, creating a composite system that balances durability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the boot is non-ventilative to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the comfort is worsened due to heat buildup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boot incorporates porous or ventilative structures in the upper portion, allowing air circulation through the material. This permits heat and moisture to escape while maintaining the structural integrity of the boot body. The porous structure enables gas permeability without compromising the overall strength and stability of the orthopedic boot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS8932245B2Ventilative orthopedic boot with an air cushion

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 CHEN TUNG CHENG

AI summary

An orthopedic boot has a boot body, a front cover and at least one binding strap. The boot body has a foot support, a leg support, an air cushion and a toecap. The leg support has a free edge provided with multiple slits and multiple vents. The air cushion is mounted on the foot support. Accordingly, the orthopedic boot is ventilative and can provide comfort to a user.