Auxetic Footwear Sole Void Structure for Cushioning and Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes lack effective dampening and programmable deformation features, particularly in athletic shoes like running and basketball shoes, which are crucial for enhanced cushioning during strenuous activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a void structure within the sole structure of footwear, comprising a plurality of voids with varying shapes, orientations, and sizes, which exhibit auxetic properties, allowing for programmable deformation and enhanced cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sole structures are used, then the shoe provides basic stability and cushioning, but it lacks programmable deformation features and effective dampening capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple regions with different void characteristics (first voids with first characteristics, second voids with second characteristics). This segmentation allows different portions of the sole to deform programmably in response to applied loads, providing region-specific cushioning and dampening while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different void characteristics are assigned to different locations within the sole structure. The first voids have different properties than the second voids, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function (e.g., higher dampening in impact areas, more flexibility in other areas). This local differentiation enables programmable deformation patterns throughout the sole.
2Reliability
If more cushioning material is added to the sole, then dampening and cushioning improve, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure incorporates a void structure with numerous voids distributed throughout the material. This porous configuration reduces the overall material density and weight while maintaining cushioning effectiveness. The voids allow for controlled deformation and energy absorption without requiring excessive material volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure combines material regions with voids and material regions without voids in a composite arrangement. This composite structure optimizes the balance between cushioning performance and weight by placing voids strategically in areas where weight reduction is beneficial while maintaining structural integrity in load-bearing regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sole structure is made more flexible to allow deformation, then athletic performance improves, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple regions with different void characteristics, allowing flexible deformation in specific areas while maintaining stability in other areas. The segmented structure enables controlled flexibility where needed without compromising overall sole stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different void characteristics are distributed throughout the sole to create local variations in flexibility and stability. Regions with higher void density provide flexibility for deformation, while regions with lower void density or different void characteristics maintain structural stability, achieving both goals simultaneously.
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 void structure provides superior cushioning and dampening effects, reducing material usage and weight while improving athletic performance by allowing controlled deformation and spring-like behavior.
Implementation Method 1
A void structure is provided within the sole structure, the void structure comprising a plurality of voids, which comprise channels that extend through an entire width of the sole structure. The void structure allows for programmable deforming or collapsing of various portions or regions of the sole structure to create a controlled spring-like or dampening effect
Implementation Method 2
The void structure allows for programmable deforming or collapsing of various portions or regions of the sole structure to create a controlled spring-like or dampening effect
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear comprising an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear, and a sole structure coupled with the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole. A void structure is provided within the sole structure, which includes a plurality of voids defining channels that extend through an entire width of the sole structure. The void structure includes a plurality of first voids in the shape of a vertical lemniscate and a plurality of second voids in the shape of a horizontal lemniscate.