Cambered Damping Sole with Segmented Arch Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing soles in sports shoes, such as those described in US2005/0166422-A1 and US-A-5 528 842, do not allow for natural flexing of the foot arch, reducing the foot's inherent damping capabilities during walking or running and causing unnecessary stress on the foot's muscles.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing sole with a cambered arch zone and heel zone, made from flexible materials like thermoplastic or composite materials, that allows elastic flexing and return, mimicking the foot's natural movement to absorb shock and restore energy, with a wear layer for enhanced grip and adjustable elastic parts for customized fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid base body is used in the shock-absorbing sole, then structural stability is improved, but the natural flexing of the foot arch is prevented, reducing damping capability
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple zones (heel zone, arch zone, forefoot zone) with different flexibility characteristics. The arch zone and heel zone are specifically designed to be flexible while the forefoot can be more rigid, allowing each segment to perform its specific function in the damping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the sole have different mechanical properties. The arch zone and heel zone are made flexible to allow natural foot movement and damping, while other areas can maintain rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local damping capability.
2Reliability
If the sole is made flexible to allow natural foot movement, then damping capability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sole into zones with different flexibility levels, the patent achieves both flexibility where needed (arch and heel zones for damping) and rigidity where needed (forefoot for structural support), resolving the contradiction between damping capability and structural stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the arch zone is made rigid to provide structural support, then structural stability is improved, but the natural shock-absorbing properties of the foot are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arch zone is specifically designed with flexible properties to allow natural foot movement and shock absorption, while other parts of the sole provide structural support. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural support and natural shock-absorbing properties.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the heel zone is made rigid to provide stability, then structural stability is improved, but the natural eversion movement is restricted, increasing muscle stress
Solution Approach 1:
The heel zone is designed with flexible properties to allow natural eversion movement during walking and running, reducing stress on the posterior tibialis and long flexor muscles. This local flexibility resolves the contradiction between structural stability and reduction of muscle stress.
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 sole effectively dampens the impact of foot contact with the ground, reduces muscle stress, and restores biomechanically correct joint physiology by allowing natural foot movement, while maintaining energy return and stability through its design.
Implementation Method 1
the blade being able to deform elastically under the pressure of the foot so that the contact surface is oriented in the direction of a reduction in the heel angle
Implementation Method 2
The foot returns to its initial position when it leaves the ground, being propelled by the sole in a movement of inversion and reforming the arch of the arch of the foot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The sole (200) has a front foot zone (A), a heel zone (C), and an arch zone (B), where the heel zone is bent in the extension of the arch zone. The sole is flexible so that the arch zone and the heel zone elastically bend when a user carries his weight on the foot in a loading position, where a transversal section of a contact surface (205) in the heel zone is oriented along a direction of the heel. The sole is formed from a plate which is made of thermoplastic material e.g. polypropylene.