Shoe Upper Protrusions That Bend for Ball Spin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe uppers, particularly in athletic shoes, do not effectively assist in providing enhanced spin and control for shooting balls, such as in soccer, due to rigid protrusions that fail to provide sufficient grip, contact time, and predictable ball trajectory.
Innovation Solution
The shoe upper features a ball contact area with elastically bendable protrusions that deform perpendicular to their longitudinal axis upon contact, increasing grip and contact time, and utilizing the Magnus effect for spin control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid protrusions are used on the ball contact area, then the structural stability is improved, but the grip and contact time with the ball deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed to be elastically bendable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to ball contact. This enables the protrusions to deform during impact, increasing contact time and grip, while maintaining structural integrity through elastic recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the protrusions are optimized to provide specific elastic characteristics. By controlling the elasticity parameter, the protrusions can bend to increase contact time while maintaining sufficient structural stability for repeated use
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid protrusions are used on the ball contact area, then the structural stability is improved, but the spin control and ball trajectory predictability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bending of protrusions creates a brushing effect that generates consistent spin on the ball. The dynamic deformation allows for reliable spin control and predictable ball trajectory, which rigid structures cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusions create a brushing motion during ball contact that imparts spin. This mechanical interaction through elastic deformation provides consistent spin generation and predictable ball behavior
3Duration of action of moving object
If elastically bendable protrusions are used, then the grip and contact time are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are constructed as flexible elastic elements that can bend during ball contact. This flexibility increases contact time and grip without requiring complex mechanical systems, achieving enhanced performance through simple elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the elastic properties and dimensions of the protrusions, the design achieves improved contact time and grip while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The parameter optimization balances performance enhancement with structural simplicity
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 elastically bendable protrusions enhance ball control and spin, improving shooting accuracy and unpredictability, making it harder for goalkeepers to anticipate the ball's path.
Implementation Method 1
each protrusion is elastically bendable such that each protrusion is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis upon contact with the ball
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the Magnus effect for spin control
Data Source
AI summary
An upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, a sole facing side portion and an instep facing side portion. Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable such that each protrusion is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis upon contact with a ball, and such that each of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion touches an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.