Function

The Leap brace is a systematic design solution to the healing of foot ulcerations in diabetics, the Afo stimulates the peroneal vein and artery to encourage blood flow throughout the lower limb, while designed Edema nodes reduce swelling forming, a cellulose padding utilises perspiration techniques to reduce moisture and in turn the growth of infectious bacteria. The silicon orthotic in-soles have been specifically designed to off-load plantar pressure for various ulcer cases while a memory foam insole adapts to the users gait needs.

Inspiration

The inspiration for the device came from researching into the reasons why so many diabetics lose limbs (America 2006 – 62’500 cases); through academic journals and user trips numerous methods were tried and tested when finally a concept to increase the effectiveness of said medication would suffice. It should be noted that diabetes is a growing condition to which numbers shall increase drastically over the next generation, at current it effects 1 in 4 diabeticsa with the majority dying within 5 years.

Development

The development of the concept was done solely in respect of user needs with a user centred design approach adapted throughout the project. The syntax analysis of the device meant minimal operable tasks needed to be allocated to the user, so to a simplistic design was adapted. The final requirements were for a visual representation model with a completed solidworks design.