Adjustable Inflatable Shock Absorption Module for Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shock absorption shoes lack adjustable shock absorption mechanisms, failing to provide personalized protection for users based on body weight and activity needs, as the air cushion pressure and sole flexibility are fixed and non-adjustable.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating inflatable shock absorption modules within the shoe sole, allowing users to adjust air pressure for customized comfort and protection, with modules comprising an outer cylindrical shell, inner cylindrical core, air cushion cylinder, and bottom cover connected via an air tube, enabling easy air inflation and deflation through a nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed air cushion or spring mechanisms are used in shoe soles, then shock absorption function is provided, but the shock absorption effect cannot be adjusted according to user body weight and activity needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of shock absorption effectVSAvoidcomplexity of shock absorption mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed shock absorption mechanisms with an inflatable air cushion system. The air cushion can be dynamically adjusted by inflating or deflating through a valve, allowing the shock absorption effect to adapt to different user body weights and activity requirements. This transforms a static system into a dynamic one that can be modified as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by altering the air pressure within the cushion through inflation and deflation operations. By changing the amount of air in the cushion, the shock absorption characteristics can be adjusted to match different user needs, effectively modifying the key parameter (air pressure) to achieve adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If inflatable shock absorption modules are added to the shoe, then adjustable shock absorption is achieved, but the structural complexity of the shoe increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable shock absorptionVSAvoidnumber of components in sole

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the air cushion directly into the shoe sole structure. The air cushion is embedded within the sole layers, and the valve is incorporated into the existing shoe components. This combination approach adds the inflatable shock absorption function while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity by merging multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If shock absorption mechanisms are made visible on the shoe exterior, then the shock absorption function is emphasized, but the shoe appearance and fashion design are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption functionVSAvoidshoe appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the air cushion and valve mechanisms inside the shoe sole structure. The air cushion is embedded within the sole layers, and the valve is hidden within the shoe's internal components. This nesting approach allows the shock absorption function to be fully integrated and concealed, maintaining the shoe's aesthetic appearance while preserving the reliability of the shock absorption mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 provides adjustable shock absorption and improved protection for the ankle and lower limbs, reducing the risk of injury during sports activities while maintaining the shoe's appearance and design integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the air cushion is made integrally with the sole; however, the air cushion of this kind of shoe has fixed air pressure and density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the insole of the shoe presses against the spring, so that when the heel of the foot of a user presses against the heel of the shoe, resilience of the spring may achieve the shock absorption effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring resilience: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11678720B2Shock absorption shoe having at least one inflatable shock absorption module hidden inside the shoe in which air pressure is adjustable

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 TANG LAHUI

AI summary

A shock absorption shoe, having a sole and at least one shock absorption module each having an outer shell, an inner core, an air cushion cylinder and a bottom cover, and each being connected to an air tube. The inner core is sleeved into a cavity of the outer shell from the top. A position limiting structure is provided between the inner core and the cavity. The air cushion cylinder is sleeved within the cavity. The bottom cover covers the bottom of the cavity. The shoe has a bottom layer, a middle layer and a top layer; the middle layer contains at least one mounting hole for mounting the at least one shock absorption module. The air tube is in an air tube groove on the middle layer, and one end of which is connected to the air cushion cylinder while another end is connected with a nozzle.