Bicycle Shoe Support with Segmented Rigid and Flexible Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle shoes face challenges in achieving a snug fit while maintaining efficient power transfer due to the need for stiff shoe soles, which conventional cushioning insoles often compromise by absorbing pedaling power.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shoe support system comprising a rigid support frame with a cleat attachment section, side sections, and a flexible support member that extends beneath the foot receiving space, providing both rigidity for power transfer and flexibility for a snug fit without the need for cushioning insoles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cushioning insoles are used to achieve a snug fit, then the fit comfort is improved, but pedaling power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into different zones with different rigidity characteristics. The forefoot area uses a harder material to maintain power transfer, while the heel and midfoot areas use softer materials to provide comfort and snug fit. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both comfort and power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insole have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The forefoot region has high rigidity for power transfer, while the heel and arch regions have lower rigidity for comfort and foot stabilization. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall comfort and localized power transfer.
2Loss of energy
If stiff shoe soles are used to improve power transfer efficiency, then pedaling power transfer is improved, but the ability to achieve a snug fit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole is divided into a stiff forefoot portion for power transfer and a more compliant heel and midfoot portion for achieving snug fit. This segmentation allows the shoe to simultaneously provide both rigidity for power transfer and flexibility for proper foot containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole uses composite material construction with varying material densities and rigidities across different zones. This allows the shoe to incorporate both stiff and compliant regions within a single integrated component, resolving the contradiction between overall stiffness and localized compliance.
3Loss of energy
If the shoe sole is made sufficiently stiff to transfer pedaling power efficiently, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the shoe's ability to conform to foot shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insole exhibits local quality variations where the forefoot area maintains high stiffness for power transfer while the heel and arch areas provide conformability to foot shape. This localized differentiation allows the shoe to simultaneously achieve both power transfer efficiency and foot conformity without compromising either property globally.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle shoe support includes a rigid support frame and a flexible support member. The rigid support frame has a cleat attachment section, a heel section and a pair of side sections. The heel section is arranged with respect to the cleat attachment section. The side sections longitudinally extend between the cleat attachment section and the heel section to define a foot receiving space therebetween. The flexible support member extends beneath the foot receiving space.