METHOD OF PRODUCING A FOOT ORTHOTIC THROUGH 3D PRINTING USING FOOT PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS AND MATERIAL HARDNESS AND/OR STRUCTURE TO UNLOAD FOOT PRESSURE

摘要

A method and apparatus for generating a custom made orthotic or insole for footwear. Information relating to the pressure applied by the sole of a person's foot is used to custom produce an orthotic or insole for the person by using softer material or different structural components, selectively located at pressure points of a particular individual, to unload pressure on the foot at those points. Pressure readings taken for the foot of an individual identify pressure points for that foot. The pressure points are quantified and the foot is “mapped” in a grid format on a pressure map. Once mapped, structural components corresponding to a particular pressure value are positioned in the orthotic based on the mapping. The compression cells are created via 3D printing methods based on an individual's pressure readings and results from an electronic pressure plate utilizing pressure response sensors.