Systems and methods for adjusting variable geometry, height, weight distribution dynamics in orthotic devices and equipment
View Patent ↗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.
1. A orthotic comprising:
a platform comprising:
a heel section and a mid-arch section; and
a variable adjuster attached to a lower surface of said platform said variable adjuster comprising:
an elliptically shaped variable resistance beam having a major axis and a minor axis, said major axis being greater than said minor axis, said variable resistance beam extending, at an angle, through said heel section to said mid-arch section; and
a spline and socket selection mechanism engaging said variable resistance beam at a first end, said selection mechanism configured to rotate said variable resistance beam with respect to said lower surface.
2. The orthotic of claim 1 , further comprising:
a mechanical connector attached to said lower surface at said mid-arch section, said mechanical connector including a pocket into which a second end of said variable resistance beam is contained.
3. The orthotic of claim 1 , wherein said selection mechanism is incorporated into said heel section.
4. The orthotic of claim 3 , further comprising:
a heel plate configured to support said selection mechanism.
5. The orthotic of claim 1 , wherein said variable resistance beam is contained within a sleeve extending from said heel section to said mid-arch section.
6. The orthotic of claim 5 , wherein said variable resistance beam rotates within said sleeve.
7. The orthotic of claim 5 , wherein said sleeve is rotatable, said variable resistance beam being attached to said sleeve.
8. The orthotic of claim 1 , wherein said spline and socket selection mechanism comprises:
a socket extending through said heel section, said socket comprising a plurality of grooves; and
a spline comprising:
a substantially cylindrical element comprising one of: a fork and tongue engaging a corresponding one of: a tongue and a fork on said first end of said variable resistance beam; and
a plurality of splines engaging said grooves on said socket.
9. The orthotic of claim 1 , wherein said variable resistance beam is composed of a material selected from a group consisting of: plastics, thermoplastic polymers, copolymers, polyesters, vinyl chloride polymers, polycarbonate resin, metal, re-enforced plastics and nano-reinforced plastics.
10. The orthotic of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one sensor, said at least one sensor attached to at least one of: said lower surface and said variable resistance beam.
11. The orthotic of claim 10 , further comprising:
a printed circuit board configured to:
receive inputs from said at least one sensor; and
transmit said inputs.
12. The orthotic of claim 11 , further comprising:
a charging system configured to supply a voltage to said printed circuit board, said voltage being generated in response to movement of said variable resistance beam.
13. An orthotic comprising:
a lower surface comprising a heel section and a mid-arch section;
at least one pocket conformally incorporated into said lower surface at said mid-arch section;
at least one elliptically shaped variable resistance beam, extending from a corresponding one of said pockets to said heel section; and
a spline and socket selection mechanism associated with said at least one variable resistance beam, said selection mechanism configured to rotate a corresponding one of said at least one variable resistance beam from a position of minimum resistance to a position of maximum resistance to a force applied to said lower surface.
14. The orthotic of claim 13 , further comprising a sleeve extending from a corresponding one of said pockets, wherein a corresponding one of said one variable resistance beam is rotatable within said sleeve.
15. The orthotic of claim 13 further comprising:
at least one sensor, said at least one sensor being attached to at least one of: said lower surface and selected one of said at least one variable resistance beam.