Adaptive Golf Shoe Sole With Flexible Web Ridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoes with traction structures for stability and grip on uneven surfaces are not suitable for off-course environments, causing discomfort and practical issues when walking on hard surfaces or indoors, as they can be too aggressive and may snag or scratch flooring.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole structure featuring a flexible web with a ridge and downwardly extending traction elements that adapt to changing forces, providing increased traction during golf activities while minimizing discomfort in non-golf settings by distributing weight through a ridge and tabs, allowing for comfortable wear on hard surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional golf shoes include aggressive traction structures for stability and grip on uneven surfaces, then traction and stability on golf courses are improved, but comfort and practicality when walking on hard surfaces or indoors deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure uses a flexible web material that dynamically adapts its configuration based on applied force. During golf activities with increased downward force, the web deforms to engage traction elements for enhanced grip. During casual walking with normal weight distribution, the web remains relatively flat to provide comfort on hard surfaces. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between aggressive traction and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the web material based on loading conditions. The web transitions from a relaxed state during casual wear to a deformed state during golf activities, altering its mechanical properties and contact characteristics with the ground surface to resolve the contradiction between traction performance and comfort.
2Reliability
If conventional golf shoes include fraction structures and traction elements for increased traction, then grip on slippery surfaces is improved, but discomfort and potential damage to indoor flooring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible web dynamically controls the engagement of traction elements with the ground. During golf activities, increased force deforms the web to allow traction elements to engage for enhanced grip. During casual walking, the web remains in a configuration that minimizes traction element engagement, reducing localized pressure and preventing damage to indoor flooring surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure implements different functional zones: the flexible web provides a compliant interface during casual wear, while traction elements provide aggressive grip only when and where needed during golf activities. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between grip performance and harm prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shoe sole structure enhances stability and traction on golf courses while preventing discomfort in off-course settings by distributing weight effectively, ensuring the wearer can move comfortably on various surfaces without the aggressive traction issues of conventional golf shoes.
Implementation Method 1
During golf play, increased downward force of the wearer on the web deforms the web and transfers more of the wearer weight onto various portions of the traction elements
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear sole structure includes a flexible web. The flexible web is surrounded by a ridge extending downward from a bottom side of the web. Traction elements also extend downward from the web bottom side. When standing or casually walking, a substantial portion of the wearer's weight is transferred to the ground by the ridge. During golf play, increased downward force of the wearer on the web deforms the web and transfers more of the wearer weight onto various portions of the traction elements.