Auxetic Footwear Sole Structure for Dynamic Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articles of footwear do not effectively combine traction, cushioning, and adaptability under dynamic motions, particularly in athletic and rugged terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
The article of footwear incorporates an auxetic sole structure with recessed portions arranged in an auxetic configuration, allowing for expansion and adaptability during dynamic motions, combined with outer sole members designed for enhanced traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional solid sole structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability and cushioning under dynamic motions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple recessed portions that create discrete regions within the sole. These segmented regions allow different parts of the sole to deform and adapt independently during dynamic motions, improving overall adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxetic sole structure incorporates recessed portions that create a porous or hollow configuration within the sole material. This porous structure enables the sole to compress and expand more effectively under dynamic loads, enhancing cushioning and adaptability while the auxetic material properties maintain structural strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sole structure is made more flexible for adaptability, then comfort is improved, but traction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sole members are provided with specific surface characteristics and tread patterns in regions where traction is critical. This local optimization ensures that areas requiring high traction maintain rigid, grip-enhancing features, while other regions of the sole can be more flexible and adaptive for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear employs a composite sole structure combining an auxetic sole structure with separate outer sole members. This composite design allows the auxetic portion to provide flexibility and adaptability, while the outer sole members contribute traction capability through their specific material properties and surface features.
3Strength
If recessed portions are added to the sole structure, then cushioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portions are integrated directly into the auxetic sole structure as an inherent feature of the material design, rather than being added as separate components. This merging of the cushioning feature into the base structure minimizes additional complexity while achieving improved cushioning performance.
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 auxetic sole structure provides improved traction, cushioning, and adaptability, enhancing the overall performance and comfort of the footwear across various terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The auxetic sole structure provides improved traction, cushioning, and adaptability... When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of recessed portions may be configured to undergo auxetic motions... FIGS. 18-19 illustrate an embodiment of a sole structure before and while a compressive force is applied
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure comprising: a midsole component (122) having an upper surface (140) and an outer surface (821), the midsole component (122) further including: a central portion (716) having a plurality of recessed portions (200) and a plurality of sole portions, wherein: each of the plurality of recessed portions (200) extends from the outer surface (821) toward the upper surface (140); each of the plurality of sole portions are provided between adjacent ones of the plurality of recessed portions (200), the plurality of recessed portions (200) and plurality of sole portions are arranged across the central portion (716) to form an auxetic structure, and the auxetic structure expands in both a first direction and in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction when the sole structure is tensioned in one of the first direction or the second direction; and a peripheral edge piece (805) surrounding the central portion (716), and wherein the distance from the upper surface (140) to the outer surface (821) of the peripheral edge piece (820) is greater than the distance from the upper surface (140) to the outer surface (821) of the central portion (716).