Custom Durable Foot Funnel for Articulating/Hinged AFOs
Short Summary
Shoe funnel that is durable to keep the back of the shoe from collapsing when putting shoe on with AFOs
Owner
Jenny Kissel
Primary User
People with disabilities who wear AFOs.
Intended Use
Donning of shoes with AFOs.
Description
I wear articulating Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) with physical hinges on both the medial and lateral sides of my ankle. I am looking for a modified, high-durability "foot funnel" or clip-on shoe aid.
Standard commercial foot funnels have forward-facing plastic wings that curve along the upper sides of the shoe. When I attempt to step in, the metal/plastic ankle hinges on my AFOs catch tightly on the top edges of these wings. The funnel gets pinned down between the shoe's lip and my brace hinge, jamming my foot before it can slide down into the heel counter.
Design Modification Required:
The front "wings" or flaps of the funnel need to be flared outward considerably. Angling the leading edges away from the shoe opening will allow the wider, hinged ankle sections of my AFO to clear the funnel smoothly without snagging.
Durability & Material Specifications:
Because this device needs to withstand significant downward forces and friction from a rigid brace sliding over it repeatedly, a standard brittle plastic print (like basic PLA) will snap under pressure. I need this printed with:
- Material: High-strength, impact-resistant filaments like PETG, Nylon, or a heavy-duty TPU (flexible rubber-like material with high infill).
- Print Settings: High wall/perimeter count (at least 4–6 perimeters) and a dense infill pattern (35% or higher) to prevent splitting or fracturing along the layer lines.
- Features: Please include a standard top hole for a retrieval lanyard.
I have attached reference images showing the standard foot funnel design alongside the exact style of hinged AFO brace I wear so you can visualize the mechanical interference. Thank you for your help in creating a more accessible dressing solution!
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