Athletic Shoe Integral Ankle Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks effective ankle support to prevent foot canting during rapid directional changes, which can lead to ankle injuries.
Innovation Solution
The athletic shoe features a base footwear with an integrated ankle support structure comprising medial and lateral plates and binding strips, along with a tubular sleeve structure for protection, to stabilize the ankle and prevent lateral rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional footwear is used, then the footwear is simple and comfortable, but it lacks effective ankle support to prevent foot canting during rapid directional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle support structure is nested within the footwear upper, with medial and lateral plates positioned inside the quarter regions, binding strips integrated into the upper structure, and a sleeve structure containing the entire support mechanism. This nesting approach provides comprehensive ankle support while maintaining a compact footwear design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ankle support structure is divided into distinct functional segments: medial plates for medial side support, lateral plates for lateral side support, binding strips for securing the structure to the foot, and a sleeve structure for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while contributing to overall ankle stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an ankle support structure with plates and binding strips is added to the footwear, then ankle stability is improved, but the footwear structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle support structure merges multiple support elements (medial plates, lateral plates, binding strips) into a unified system that works together to stabilize the ankle. The plates are connected through binding strips that integrate with the footwear upper, creating a combined structure that provides comprehensive ankle support while maintaining structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The ankle support structure applies local reinforcement where needed: medial plates are positioned against the medial side of the ankle, lateral plates against the lateral side, and binding strips are strategically placed to secure these elements. This localized approach provides targeted support without requiring complex structures throughout the entire footwear.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid plates are used for ankle support, then ankle stabilization is improved, but the risk of injury from the rigid structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve structure serves as an intermediary between the rigid ankle support structure (plates and binding strips) and the foot. This soft protective shell cushions the rigid elements, distributing pressure and preventing direct contact between hard plates and the ankle, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve structure provides beforehand cushioning by enveloping the rigid plates and binding strips before they contact the foot. This protective layer is built into the design from the outset, ensuring that the rigid support elements are always cushioned and cannot directly injure the wearer during normal use or rapid directional changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The athletic shoe having integral ankle support is an item of footwear. The athletic shoe having integral ankle support is adapted for use with a foot. The athletic shoe having integral ankle prevents the ankle of the foot causing the foot to form a cant in the athletic shoe having integral ankle. The athletic shoe having integral ankle support comprises a base footwear, an ankle structure, and a sleeve structure. The ankle structure and the sleeve structure attach to the base footwear. The ankle structure forms the support structure that stabilizes the ankle. The sleeve structure is a tubular textile that forms a protective shell that protects the foot from injury by the ankle support structure.