Asymmetric Midsole Arch Support for Running Shoe Injury Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional running shoes often compromise natural foot motion due to excessive cushioning or extreme weight reduction, leading to increased risk of injury and energy loss during running.

Innovation Solution

A midsole design providing asymmetrical vertical structural support on the medial and lateral sides of the foot, with a larger medial arch support structure extending upward to support the medial upper arch and a lateral support structure extending upward to support the lateral side of the midfoot, made from a stiffer material to mechanically stabilize the foot and reduce the need for additional cushioning, while maintaining a low weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If excessive cushioning is used in the midsole, then protection against impact forces is improved, but weight increases and natural foot motion is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against impact forcesVSAvoidshoe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The midsole is divided into multiple functional zones with different cushioning properties. A first cushioning zone with higher cushioning characteristic is positioned at the heel area, while a second cushioning zone with lower cushioning characteristic is positioned at the forefoot area. This segmentation allows impact protection where needed without excessive weight throughout the entire midsole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the midsole are assigned different material properties and thicknesses. The heel area receives more substantial cushioning materials to absorb impact forces, while the forefoot area uses lighter, less cushioning materials to maintain natural foot motion and reduce overall weight. This local differentiation optimizes both protection and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If excessive cushioning is used in the midsole, then protection against impact forces is improved, but natural foot motion is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against impact forcesVSAvoidnatural foot motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Weight of moving object

If ultra lightweight design is used, then weight is reduced, but cushioning protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe weightVSAvoidcushioning protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical midsole support is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but medial arch support is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemidsole manufacturingVSAvoidmedial arch support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The midsole is designed with asymmetrical support structures, specifically providing enhanced support on the medial side compared to the lateral side. The medial support structure extends further and provides greater arch support, reflecting the anatomical needs of the foot while maintaining manufacturability through molded design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10966483B2Midsole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 ECCO SKO A S

AI summary

A midsole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, is described which midsole is asymmetric in a midfoot area, has an upper heel portion embracing the calcaneus of a wearer and has an upwardly extending toe end. In the midfoot area a vertical medial support structure originates from the midsole and supportively embraces the arch. Correspondingly, a vertical lateral support structure supports the lateral side of the foot in the midfoot area. The medial support structure covers a larger area than the lateral support structure, and is connected to the vertically extending upper heel portion of the midsole. The toe end of the midsole is extended upwardly, and provides in combination with the vertically extending upper heel portion and the vertically extending medial and lateral arch support structures a midsole which firmly embraces the foot. The resulting shoe reduces the risk of injury during running.