Footwear Sole Structure with Annular Traction for Rotational Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures in footwear fail to provide improved traction and comfort under varying forces and directions, and do not optimize torsional forces during common athletic movements.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure incorporates a combination of directional and omnidirectional traction elements arranged in annular zones aligned with rotational radii to optimize traction and reduce torsional forces, featuring elongate blade cleats and omnidirectional elements that engage the ground surface effectively in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outsole designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but traction performance under varying forces and directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is segmented into multiple distinct zones (first annular zone with first plurality of traction elements, second annular zone with second plurality of traction elements) that can be optimized for different directional forces. Each zone contains specifically oriented traction elements (blade cleats, omnidirectional elements) arranged to handle particular movement patterns, allowing the overall structure to provide superior multi-directional traction without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire outsole.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outsole are given different local qualities through varying traction element types, orientations, and densities. The first annular zone features traction elements oriented for lateral movements while the second annular zone features elements oriented for longitudinal movements. This local differentiation allows each zone to excel at its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive traction performance across all movement directions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional traction element arrangements are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but stability during rotational athletic movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The traction elements are arranged in concentric annular zones rather than simple linear or grid patterns. This annular configuration adds a dimensional aspect that naturally aligns with rotational movement patterns around a pivot zone. The radial arrangement of blade cleats and omnidirectional elements in concentric circles creates multiple contact points that stabilize the foot during rotational athletic movements by distributing forces across different radii from the pivot zone.
3Force
If uniform traction elements are used across the outsole, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but torsional force optimization during athletic movements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole employs asymmetric positioning and orientation of traction elements relative to the pivot zone. Blade cleats are angled at specific orientations in the first annular zone while omnidirectional elements are strategically placed in the second annular zone. This asymmetric arrangement allows the traction elements to effectively counteract torsional forces generated during athletic movements by creating optimal leverage arms at different positions around the pivot zone, rather than using uniform symmetric distribution.
Data Source
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 high degrees of alignment between radii of rotation corresponding to the different torsional movements.