Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TODE20250217014
- Term of Validity
- 17 February 2025 - 17 February 2026
- Company's Country
- Germany
- Type of partnership
- Investment agreement
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- Scientists from a German university have developed a smart insole for diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) that can prevent the majority of foot ulcers. The air cushion insole automatically detects areas under heavy strain by measuring pressure and relieves them by redistributing the air pressure in the individual air cushions. The university offers interested companies the opportunity to license and/or refine this technology under a technology cooperation agreement.
- Full Description
-
Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is the most common complication among diabetics. The associated foot ulcers often lead to infections and tissue decay that force amputation. Foot ulcer prevention is the most effective countermeasure. Scientists from a German university have developed a smart sole that continuously measures plantar pressure and redistributes it to relieve stressed areas.
The concept uses individual air cushions in the sole arranged in a matrix and interconnected with valves. Barometric interior pressure measurements allow calculation and detection of plantar pressure distribution and thus of point pressure overload on the sole. Gait dynamics control and regulate the valves to redistribute pressure in a targeted manner by changing the air cushion fill levels. To this end, software developed for the purpose opens the valves for specified periods, redistributing pressure from the overloaded area to surrounding areas. This regulation is completely automatic, controlled by the software.
The described sole is primarily intended for diabetes patients suffering from ulcers caused by diabetic foot syndrome. It is also suited to treatment of other abnormal foot pressure distribution. The major advantage is that the patient need not wait for pressure relief until the next health care supply store visit, since pressure is adjusted immediately. This prevents foot ulcers from developing.
The university offers interested companies the opportunity to license and/or refine this technology under a technology cooperation agreement. This technology could be of interest to companies in the orthopedic or medical industry. - Advantages and Innovations
-
The main advantages of this invention are:
- Continuous monitoring of plantar pressure
- No expert adjustment necessary
- Foot ulcer prevention - Stage of Development
- Lab tested
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- IPR status
- IPR applied but not yet granted
- IPR notes
- The technology has been registered with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, and further subsequent foreign applications can be submitted in the priority year.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
- The university offers interested companies the opportunity to license and/or refine this technology under a technology cooperation agreement. This technology could be of interest to companies in the orthopedic or medical industry.
- Type and Size of Partner
- SME <=10
- Other
- SME 11-49
- SME 50 - 249
- Big company
- Type of partnership
- Investment agreement
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06001020 - Physiotherapy, Orthopaedic Technology
- 06001013 - Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering
- Market keywords
- 05007007 - Other medical/health related (not elsewhere classified)
- Targeted countries
- All countries
