Orthopedic Walking Boot with Adjustable Ramp Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic walking boots do not allow for continuous adjustment of the elevation angle of plantarflexion, limiting their ability to provide customizable support for injured limbs.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic walking boot with a mechanically adjustable ramp insert that includes a ramp surface and an adjusting mechanism, allowing for continuous variable angles of plantarflexion by rotating a dial to elevate the ramp surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete heel wedges or discrete-angle brace designs are used, then the brace can provide support at specific angles, but continuous adjustment of the elevation angle of plantarflexion is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable continuous adjustment of elevation angleVSAvoidmechanically adjustable ramp insert with dial mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp insert is designed with a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows the elevation angle to be dynamically changed from discrete fixed angles to continuous variable angles. The dial mechanism enables the user to rotate and adjust the ramp insert to any desired angle within its range, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic, continuously adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the elevation angle parameter from discrete fixed values to continuous variable values. By introducing a mechanical adjustment mechanism with a dial, the system allows the elevation angle parameter to be modified continuously, enabling precise customization of plantarflexion angles to match specific patient needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If multiple insertable heel wedges are used to position the foot in discrete angles, then support is provided at specific angles, but the ability to achieve any intermediate angle is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple angle adjustmentVSAvoidcontinuous angle customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring users to insert multiple discrete heel wedges to achieve different angles, the invention employs a single mechanical adjustment mechanism with a dial that enables continuous angle variation. This dynamic system allows users to easily adjust to any intermediate angle without the complexity of managing multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides angle adjustment, maintains structural support, and enables continuous customization. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces the need for multiple separate heel wedges, simplifying operation while expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250169977A1Orthopedic walking boot having a mechanically adjustable ramp insert

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 DJO LLC

AI summary

An orthopedic walking boot includes a housing configured to encompass at least a user's foot, a mechanically adjustable ramp insert including a ramp surface and disposed in the housing, an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an elevation angle of the ramp surface, and a mechanically adjustable lift configured to cause the mechanically adjustable ramp insert to descend within the housing as the ramp surface is elevated such that vertical displacement of the user's foot caused by elevation of the ramp surface is substantially attenuated. Related methods are also provided.