Annular Sole Structure for Directional Ground Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures in footwear fail to provide optimal traction and comfort across varying directions and movements, particularly during athletic activities, and there is a need for improved traction and fit while accommodating different types of ground surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure incorporates an annular series of traction elements aligned with rotational radii, combining directional and omnidirectional elements to optimize traction based on the alignment of rotational paths, with unidirectional blade cleats and omnidirectional post cleats designed to engage the ground surface effectively in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outsoles with uniform traction elements are used, then manufacturing is simple, but traction performance varies poorly across different movement directions
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple zones with different traction element configurations. The forefoot region has a first pattern of traction elements, the heel region has a second pattern, and the midfoot region has a third pattern. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements, improving overall traction performance while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outsole are given different local characteristics through varied traction element patterns. The forefoot, heel, and midfoot each have distinct arrangements of traction elements tailored to their specific movement demands. This local quality approach ensures optimal traction in each region without requiring complete redesign of the entire outsole.
2Reliability
If traction elements are added to improve ground engagement, then traction improves, but comfort and fit may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is segmented into distinct regions (forefoot, heel, midfoot) with different traction element densities and configurations. This allows high-traction zones to be placed only where needed for performance, while other areas maintain lower profile for comfort, resolving the contradiction between traction and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Traction elements are distributed non-uniformly across the outsole surface, with specific patterns in specific regions. This local quality approach ensures that traction enhancement occurs only where it is functionally necessary, preventing unnecessary interference with comfort and fit in other areas.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the outsole is made more durable with rubber or wear-resistant materials, then wear-resistance improves, but flexibility and adaptability to different ground surfaces may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple regions that can potentially use different materials or material properties optimized for their specific functions. This segmentation allows high-wear areas to use more durable materials while flexible areas maintain adaptability, resolving the contradiction between durability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole employs composite construction with different material properties in different regions. This allows the integration of wear-resistant materials in high-stress areas while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in other regions, achieving both durability and ground surface versatility simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first annular group of traction elements arranged along a first annular zone and a second annular group of traction elements arranged along a second annular zone concentric with the first annular group. The first and second annular groups of traction elements include a plurality of directional traction elements arranged in a first rotational direction about a common rotation zone. Optionally, the first annular group of traction elements may include an omnidirectional traction element arranged at a location associated with a relatively low degree of alignment between radii of rotation corresponding to different torsional movements of the sole structure during use. The directional traction elements may include unidirectional traction elements or bidirectional traction elements at locations associated with moderate to highdegrees of alignment between radii of rotation corresponding to the different torsional movements.