Canted Coil Spring Shock Absorber for Footwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorption devices, such as those used in shoes, fail to effectively utilize the unique load-deflection characteristics of canted coil springs, leading to suboptimal shock absorption performance.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorption device comprising two movably coupled members with at least one canted coil spring disposed between them, which compresses along unique axes of compressibility, providing a near-flat force curve response similar to shape memory alloys, allowing for enhanced shock absorption in various applications including footwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coil springs are used in shock absorption devices, then the device can provide shock absorption, but it fails to utilize the unique load-deflection characteristics of canted coil springs resulting in suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the coil spring by canting it at a specific angle relative to the compression axis. This parameter change transforms the spring's load-deflection characteristics to produce a near-flat force curve, optimizing shock absorption performance while maintaining the spring's inherent shock absorption capability.
2Reliability
If canted coil springs are used to achieve near-flat force curve response, then shock absorption is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to specific geometric configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by canting the coil spring at a specific angle rather than aligning it symmetrically with the compression axis. This asymmetric configuration is what produces the near-flat force curve response, enhancing shock absorption while the patent manages the resulting geometric complexity through careful design of the spring mounting and orientation.
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 device achieves improved shock absorption by leveraging the unique load-deflection characteristics of canted coil springs, offering customizable and efficient shock absorption in different parts of a shoe, such as the heel, mid-foot, and forefoot, while minimizing bounce back and allowing for user-selectable compression difficulty.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more canted coil spring compresses along one or more axes of compressibility unique to those springs
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing device having at least one canted spring disposed between two members is described. When the members move toward each other, the one or more canted coil springs are canted and compressed. The shock absorbing device takes advantage of the unique force-displacement curve of canted springs and reduces bounce back.