Adaptive Heel Element for Athletic Shoe Fit and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic shoe heel constructions face challenges such as inadequate fit, discomfort, and manufacturing complexity, including undesired pressure on the Achilles tendon and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an adaptive heel element with a stretch material, a heel counter featuring a lateral and medial portion with a posterior gap, allowing for movement and deformation to contour to the anatomical shape of the heel, reducing pressure on the Achilles tendon and simplifying manufacturing by allowing external attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional heel counter is integrated within another component of the heel portion, then structural support is provided, but manufacturing becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is divided into separate lateral and medial portions that can be manufactured independently and then assembled to the heel portion, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The heel counter is extracted from the internal structure and positioned externally on the heel portion, allowing for simpler manufacturing of the main shoe components while the heel counter can be attached separately
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heel portion is designed with a solid structure, then stability is improved, but undesired pressure and friction are exerted on the Achilles tendon
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is segmented into lateral and medial portions with a gap between them, creating space that reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon while the portions still provide lateral stability support
Solution Approach 2:
The heel counter provides localized support at the lateral and medial edges of the heel while leaving the posterior region open, creating different structural qualities in different areas to balance stability and comfort
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heel counter is integrated within another component, then structural integrity is maintained, but fit in the heel region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptive heel element is made from stretch material that can dynamically deform and move within the posterior gap, allowing the heel counter to adapt to different heel shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the lateral and medial portions
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
This design enhances heel lock, reduces friction and blister risk, improves comfort, and lowers production costs by enabling a more efficient and customizable fit for various anatomical shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptive heel element comprises a stretch material
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, comprising a heel portion that includes an adaptive heel element arranged in the heel portion of the shoe, wherein the adaptive heel element comprises a stretch material. A heel counter is arranged in the heel portion, wherein the heel counter comprises a lateral portion and a medial portion for supporting the heel of a wearer's foot and a posterior gap therebetween wherein the posterior gap forms an essentially vertical split portion, wherein the split portion is adapted such that the adaptive heel element can move and deform within the split portion, and wherein the adaptive heel element within the split portion is adapted to contour to the anatomical shape of the heel of the wearer.