Adjustable Shoe Rocker Point Structure for Personalized Gait
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoes lack the ability to adjust the rocker point to the individual needs of athletes, which is crucial for optimizing performance and comfort in endurance sports.
Innovation Solution
A shoe with movable rocker points that can be adjusted manually or automatically based on sensed characteristics, utilizing segments guided by means such as rods or plates, allowing for precise adjustment of rocker points along a path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shoes are designed for mass production with fixed rocker point positions, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but individual adaptability to athlete needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple segments including a rearfoot segment, midfoot segment, and forefoot segment that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rocker point position to be adjusted independently while maintaining the overall shoe structure, enabling mass production of base units with added adjustability features.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker point position is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The segment configuration allows the rocker point to be repositioned along the sole based on individual athlete needs, transforming a static mass-produced product into an adaptable system that maintains manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rocker point position is made adjustable to individual needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sole into movable sections, the complexity of making the entire shoe adjustable is reduced. Only specific segments need adjustment mechanisms, while other parts remain simple and stable, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment configuration serves multiple functions: it provides rocker point adjustment, maintains structural integrity, and allows for different gait patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each adjustment type.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to the shoe, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearer can independently adjust the rocker point position using simple manual mechanisms integrated into the shoe structure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external adjustment systems or professional fitting equipment, maintaining ease of operation while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a rocker point adjustment element adapted to be arranged in a shoe comprising at least one segment; means for guiding the at least one segment, wherein the means for guiding is configured to guide the at least one segment along a path such that the at least one segment is movable along the path, wherein guiding the at least one segment along the path guides and/or moves a respective rocker point of the shoe along the path.