Adjustable Height Sole With Dynamic Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear fails to provide dynamic arch support, leading to limited natural shock absorption and cushioning capabilities of the human foot, causing discomfort and potential injury due to splaying of the foot arches, and lacks a mechanism to enhance medial arch rigidity during walking or running.
Innovation Solution
The development of footwear with a convex shaped outsole featuring wedges that rotate and slide, creating a dynamic arch support system that increases medial arch rigidity, reduces splaying, and stores energy for propulsion, using elastic members and adjustable components to customize fit and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional footwear with passive medial arch support is used, then the foot structure is supported, but the natural shock absorption and cushioning capabilities of the human foot are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static passive arch support to dynamic active arch support. The system uses actuators (electromagnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric) that respond to detected foot arch compression forces, dynamically adjusting the rigidity and support characteristics of the insole to enhance shock absorption while maintaining proper foot alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using force sensors or pressure sensors to detect the degree of compression on the user's arch, then using this information to control actuators that adjust the insole's support characteristics in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the user's needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional footwear with fixed arch support is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the footwear cannot be customized for different arch heights, widths and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling dynamic modification of the insole's mechanical properties (rigidity, support force, arch height) through controllable actuators. This allows the same footwear to be customized for different users with varying arch characteristics without requiring different physical insole designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a single insole design that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different user needs through electronic control. The same insole structure can provide different levels and types of arch support by adjusting actuator activation, making the footwear universally adaptable to various arch types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive arch support cushion is used, then it can compress to some extent for different users, but not every user's medial arch is comfortably supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the arch support system to automatically adjust to each user's specific needs through sensor feedback and automated actuator control. The system monitors foot compression and independently modifies support characteristics without requiring manual adjustment or customization by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to transition from static passive cushioning to dynamic active cushioning that can adjust its characteristics in real-time based on detected foot compression, providing optimized support for each user's specific arch geometry and biomechanics.
4Strength
If rigid sole is used, then durability and traction are improved, but flexibility and natural foot movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the insole's rigidity controllable and adjustable. The system can transition between more rigid and more flexible states by activating or deactivating actuators, allowing the sole to provide durability when needed while permitting natural foot movement and flexibility at other times.
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 solution enhances foot comfort and support by promoting natural arch compression, reducing splaying, and assisting with walking and running by providing superior shock absorption and energy storage for propulsion, thus addressing the limitations of traditional footwear.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and elastic member positioned across the middle section into the outsole
Implementation Method 2
wedges that rotate and slide, creating a dynamic arch support system that increases medial arch rigidity, reduces splaying, and stores energy for propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a sole having an adjustable height mechanism along at least one of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis whereby the height of the sole can be adjusted creating one or more angles of inclination in the sole. The sole includes, in one embodiment, slidable spacing blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the sole further includes a motor connected to at least one block, the motor connected to a controller communicating wirelessly to a processor providing instructions to the controller for positioning the one or more blocks.