Adaptive Footwear Actuation Mechanics for Dynamic Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks dynamic adjustment capabilities to adapt to a wearer's movements, leading to inadequate support and potential injuries due to fatigue and changes in foot and ankle movements during activities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an adaptive actuation system, including a cable and motor system that compresses specific regions of the upper based on user movement, sensed by sensors and controlled by a controller, to provide real-time support and adjust fit accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear with static upper and lacing system is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to user movement and dynamic support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static upper and lacing system into a dynamic system that automatically adjusts to user movement. The actuation system includes a movable element that responds to foot motion, causing the upper to dynamically reconfigure and provide adaptive support during activities such as running or walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic actuation mechanism that responds to user movement without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the user's own foot motion to trigger adjustments in the upper, allowing the footwear to self-adjust and provide dynamic support throughout the activity.
2Reliability
If conventional lacing system with fixed tightness is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but support stability during movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed tightness lacing system into a dynamic system that automatically adjusts tightness based on user movement. The actuation mechanism causes the upper to reconfigure during activities, providing varying levels of support stability as needed while eliminating manual adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the actuation system that responds to user movement. The system detects foot motion and automatically adjusts the upper tightness accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal support stability throughout the activity without requiring user intervention.
3Speed
If passive actuation mechanics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but responsiveness to user movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing an actuation system that actively responds to user movement at the appropriate moment during the activity cycle. The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration in real-time, providing rapid response to foot motion while maintaining manageable complexity through targeted dynamic elements rather than fully active systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole structure comprising a midsole, an upper attached to the sole structure, and an adaptive actuation system coupled to the upper. The adaptive actuation system includes a cable configured to compress a portion of the upper in response to movement of at least one of the sole structure or the upper by the user.