Bouncing Shoe Energy Storage Mechanism for Jump Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jumping shoes lack stability and require a sporting degree to use safely, restricting natural movement and balance, and only provide limited additional jump height due to the size and design of the spring elements.
Innovation Solution
A jumping shoe design featuring a foot part with a flat support plate, a guide, and multiple energy storage elements connected via bearing shafts, allowing for reliable force absorption and redistribution, enhancing stability and enabling natural movement while providing increased jump height through optimized lever ratios and energy storage mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a leaf spring with arcuate shape and lever arm mechanism is used, then jumping force is increased, but balance stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jumping shoe divides the energy storage function into multiple separate spring elements (first spring element in the heel region, second spring element in the toe region) rather than using a single leaf spring. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each spring's function and position, improving both jumping force and balance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arcuate leaf spring to a three-dimensional arrangement with springs positioned at different locations (heel and toe) and orientations. The first spring element is arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground, while the second spring element has a specific angular orientation, creating a multi-dimensional force distribution system that enhances both power and stability.
2Power
If spring size is increased to improve jump height, then jumping performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large complex spring, the patent segments the energy storage function into two smaller, simpler spring elements positioned at the heel and toe. Each spring can be optimized independently for its specific location, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or enhancing jump height performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spring characteristics to different locations: the first spring element in the heel region is arranged substantially perpendicular to the ground for vertical force generation, while the second spring element in the toe region is oriented at a specific angle for forward propulsion. This local optimization allows each spring to be simple yet effective for its specific function.
3Power
If a basic profile with foot plate and high-leg boot is used, then jumping power is increased, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible connection elements that allow dynamic movement between the jumping shoe components and the user's footwear. The connection elements can accommodate natural foot movements and adjustments while transmitting the necessary forces, making the device easier to operate without restricting natural gait or jumping motion.
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 design provides greater stability and allows for safer use with minimal restriction on natural movement, enabling effective energy storage and release for enhanced jumping performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage element (7) which is preloaded when the connecting element (6) is displaced along the guide (11)
Implementation Method 2
a second energy storage element (8), which is connected via a second bearing shaft (13) to the connection element (6) and to a third bearing shaft (14) with the connection (3)
Implementation Method 3
an angle element (2) and a connection (3), which are pivotally connected to one another via a first bearing shaft (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A bouncing shoe (100) is provided, with a foot part (9) which has a flat support plate for a foot or a shoe (50), a guide (11) connected to the foot part (9), a connection element (6) which is mounted longitudinally displaceably in the guide (11), a first energy storage element (7) which is pretensioned upon a displacement of the connection element (6) along the guide (11), a bottom part (1) with an angle element (2) which forms the contact point of the bouncing shoe system (100) with a ground surface (200), an elongate connection (3) which is connected to the angle element (2) via a first bearing shaft (12), a second energy storage element (8), which is connected to connection element (6) via a second bearing shaft (13) and to the connection (3) with a third bearing shaft (14), a support body (4) which is connected via the second bearing shaft (13) to the connection element (6) and via a fourth bearing shaft (15) to the connection (3), wherein the fourth bearing shaft (15) is arranged on the connection (3) between the third bearing shaft (14) and the first bearing shaft (12), a deflection element (5) which is connected via a fifth bearing shaft (16) to the foot part (9) and via the fourth bearing shaft (15) to the connection (3) and the support body (4), wherein the energy reservoir (8) is pretensioned upon a movement of the connection (3) and of the support body (4) about the first bearing shaft (15), wherein, during a movement of the foot part (9) relative to the bottom part (1), the connection element (6) is displaced along the guide (11) and the angle element (2) and the connection (3) are pivoted about the first bearing shaft (12), the connection (3), the support body (4) and the deflection element (5) are pivoted about the fourth bearing shaft (15), the connection (3) and the second energy storage element (8) are pivoted about the third bearing shaft (14), the support body (4) and the connection element (6) are pivoted about the second bearing shaft (13), and the deflection element (5) and the foot part (9) are pivoted about the fifth bearing shaft (16). A bouncing shoe system with two of these bouncing shoes (100) is also provided.