Arcuate Stability Element in Shoe Sole for Natural Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles fail to effectively guide the foot into a favorable movement sequence, particularly in safety shoes, where natural bending is hindered and orthopedic deformities are not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole with an arcuate stability element that extends from the medial to the lateral side, with the lateral end positioned further towards the heel, integrated within the sole to enhance natural bending and flexibility, while maintaining slip resistance and flexibility of the outsole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stability elements are added to the shoe sole, then foot stability and controlled movement sequence are improved, but the flexibility and natural bending of the sole are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stability element is segmented into multiple regions with different flexibility characteristics. The lateral region extends further back than the medial region, creating zones of varying stiffness that allow controlled flexibility in specific areas while maintaining overall stability. This segmentation enables the sole to provide both support and natural bending capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability element employs asymmetric geometry where the lateral end extends further towards the heel than the medial end. This asymmetric design creates different mechanical properties on each side of the foot, allowing the sole to guide natural movement sequences while maintaining flexibility. The asymmetric shape mimics the natural anatomy and movement patterns of the human foot.
2Strength
If reinforcement elements are placed on the outsole, then structural stability is improved, but the slip resistance and flexibility of the outsole are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stability element is nested within the shoe sole structure, positioned between the insole and outsole layers. This nested configuration allows the reinforcement to be integrated into the overall sole construction without compromising the functional properties of the outsole. The outsole maintains its slip-resistant characteristics while the internal stability element provides structural support.
3Ease of manufacture
If the stability element extends symmetrically on both sides, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to guide natural foot movement sequence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stability element deliberately employs asymmetric geometry where the lateral end extends further towards the heel than the medial end. This asymmetric design creates different mechanical properties on each side of the foot, allowing the sole to guide natural movement sequences. The asymmetric shape mimics the natural anatomy and movement patterns of the human foot, providing adaptability to physiological requirements.
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 solution enforces natural foot bending, supports the anatomy of the human foot, and enhances the overall flexibility and protection of safety shoes by allowing natural movement sequences and improved buckling behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the stability element ensuring that when the foot rolls off, energy is absorbed by elastic bending, which energy is released again essentially without loss when the foot pushes off
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The invention proposes a shoe sole containing a stability element (1) within the sole, wherein the stability element (1) has a respective medial end and a respective lateral end and is arranged in arcuate form substantially along the toe region of the shoe sole and extends along the medial and lateral sides of the toe region of the sole, the shoe sole being distinguished in that the medial end of the stability element (1) is located approximately level with the big toe and the lateral end of the stability element (1) is located approximately level with the little toe.