Cantilevered Outsole Elements for Traction and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures lack improved traction and comfort when facing varying forces and directions, and there is a need for enhanced overall fit and performance.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with cantilevered outsole elements, comprising an upper sole plate, lower sole plate, and a membrane, where the lower sole plate features apertures allowing a cantilevered ground-engaging portion to maintain constant orientation while the other flexes, enhancing traction and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a continuous outsole structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but traction and shock absorption performance deteriorates when facing varying forces and directions
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple independent ground-engaging portions (first ground-engaging portion and second ground-engaging portion) separated by apertures. This segmentation allows each portion to respond independently to forces from different directions, improving traction and shock absorption while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-engaging portions are designed to be movable relative to each other through the apertures, allowing dynamic adjustment during foot movement. The portions can flex and move to accommodate varying forces and directions, enhancing performance while the membrane provides flexible connection.
2Ease of operation
If the outsole is made flexible for comfort, then shock absorption improves, but ground engagement and traction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the outsole into multiple ground-engaging portions through apertures, each portion can maintain firm ground engagement for traction while the overall structure remains flexible through the aperture connections, allowing shock absorption during foot movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is used to connect the ground-engaging portions, providing flexibility for shock absorption and comfort while maintaining the structural integrity needed for ground engagement and traction.
3Reliability
If the outsole uses a single rigid plate, then traction is maintained, but comfort and shock absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid single plate is replaced with multiple segmented ground-engaging portions connected through apertures and membrane. This segmentation maintains traction through each portion's ground engagement while allowing flexibility for shock absorption and comfort during foot movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole combines rigid ground-engaging portions with flexible membrane material to create a composite structure that provides both traction and shock absorption, merging the benefits of rigidity and flexibility in a single integrated design.
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 cantilevered design improves traction and shock absorption by maintaining ground engagement and flexibility, providing enhanced comfort and control during various foot movements.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (218) between the upper sole plate (214) and the lower sole plate (216). The lower sole plate (216) includes a first ground-engaging portion (244) and a second ground-engaging portion (246). The first ground-engaging portion (244) is flexibly connected to the second ground-engaging portion (246) through the membrane (218).
Implementation Method 2
The second ground-engaging portion (246) is cantilevered from the first ground-engaging portion (244), such that, during use, the second ground-engaging portion (246) maintains a substantially constant orientation relative to a ground surface (300), while the first ground-engaging portion (244) flexes and moves relative to the second ground-engaging portion (246).
Implementation Method 3
The first ground-engaging portion (244) flexes and moves relative to the second ground-engaging portion (246) through the membrane (218), allowing the sole structure (200) to absorb shock and provide flexibility during use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a first sole plate formed at least in part from a first material having a first stiffness and including a first ground-engaging portion and a second ground-engaging portion, the first ground-engaging portion defining a first aperture extending around the second ground-engaging portion. The sole structure further including a membrane coupled to the first ground-engaging portion and the second ground-engaging portion and at least partially exposed by the first aperture, the membrane formed at least in part from a second material having a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness.