Articulating Footwear Sole With Interlocking Plates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Solvent-based adhesives used in footwear construction emit VOCs, negatively impact the environment, and reduce the flexibility of shoe soles, undermining the design objective of minimalist shoes.

Innovation Solution

An articulating footwear sole design featuring interlocking plates within a recess, held without adhesives, allowing for flexibility and protection while minimizing environmental impact by reducing adhesive usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If solvent-based adhesives are used to bond protective plate to midsole, then bonding strength is improved, but environmental harm increases due to VOC emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidVOC emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive layer entirely from the footwear construction process. The protective plate is bonded to the midsole through direct mechanical interlocking and friction fit within a recess, eliminating the need for solvent-based adhesives and their associated VOC emissions while maintaining sufficient bonding strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesives) with a mechanical bonding system (interlocking recess and protective plate). The recess geometry and friction between surfaces provide the necessary bonding strength without requiring chemical adhesives, thus eliminating VOC emissions while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If solvent-based adhesives are used to bond protective plate to midsole, then bonding strength is improved, but flexibility of shoe sole deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic bonding system where the protective plate can move and flex relative to the midsole through the recess interface. This mechanical connection allows the sole to maintain flexibility and articulation while still providing bonding strength, unlike rigid adhesive bonds that would restrict movement and reduce flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If solvent-based adhesives are used in footwear construction, then bonding of components is improved, but environmental waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding capabilityVSAvoidadhesive waste

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the adhesive substance entirely from the construction process. By using a recess-based mechanical bonding system, there is no adhesive material to apply, control, or dispose of, thereby eliminating both VOC emissions and adhesive waste while maintaining bonding capability through friction and interlocking geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8365444B2Articulating footwear sole

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 KEEN INC

AI summary

An articulating footwear sole is provided. The articulating footwear sole includes a midsole having a recess a first plate having a first end interlocking with a second end of a second plate, the first and second plates positioned within the plate recess and held in place free of adhesive. In another embodiment, the sole includes a midsole having a recess, a first plate including a first end, and a second plate including a second end, the first end configured to moveably overlap with the second end, the first and second plates positioned in the recess. Still other examples are also provided.