Asymmetrical Sole Plate Structure for Motorized Fit Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear designs lack a structured sole structure that effectively integrates a motorized adjustment system for customizable fit and enhanced stability, particularly in athletic footwear.

Innovation Solution

A sole structure for footwear comprising a sole plate with a compartment containing a cavity, divided into asymmetrical forward and rearward portions, and a central axis that enhances torsional rigidity, combined with a motorized tensioning system for adjusting the fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a motorized adjustment system is integrated into the footwear, then customizable fit and enhanced stability are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable fitVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized adjustment system is nested within a compartment formed in the sole plate, which is itself integrated into the sole structure. The compartment contains the motor assembly and battery, organizing these components efficiently within the existing footwear architecture, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sole plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the footwear, contains the compartment for the motorized system, and integrates with the upper portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving customizable fit through the motorized adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a compartment with cavity is formed in the sole plate, then motorized system is accommodated, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidsole structure fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sole plate is segmented into distinct regions: a forward portion, an intermediate portion containing the compartment with cavity, and a rearward portion. This segmentation allows the compartment to be formed as a discrete feature within the sole plate, facilitating easier manufacturing through modular fabrication processes while accommodating the motorized system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compartment is formed by creating a cavity within the thickness of the sole plate, utilizing the vertical dimension. This approach allows the motorized system to be accommodated without increasing the planar footprint of the footwear, and the cavity can be formed using molding or machining processes that work efficiently in three dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3302140B1A sole plate for an article of footwear

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 NIKE INNOVATE CV

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AI summary

An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. A sole plate (250) can include one or more specialized compartments (202) designed to receive a component. The sole plate can be configured to provide greater stability to a sole structure. In some cases, the sole plate can be used to receive a component that can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.