Cleated Athletic Shoe Cushion for Shock Absorption and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear fails to provide adequate shock absorption without compromising lateral stability or increasing weight, leading to stiff or heavy shoes that do not meet the demands of serious athletes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a flexible planar cushion material between the primary midsole and outsole, with a disk cylinder interface for cleat attachment, allows for compression expansion and reduced weight while maintaining lateral stability and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption elements are integrated into the shoe, then shock absorption is improved, but lateral stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is positioned only above the cleat in the lateral aspect of the shoe, providing localized shock absorption where needed without compromising overall lateral stability. This selective placement allows the shoe to absorb impact forces while maintaining structural rigidity for side-to-side movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is divided into multiple segments or portions, with at least one portion located above the cleat and other portions distributed throughout the lateral aspect of the shoe. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized functions - shock absorption above the cleat and stability support in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption elements are integrated into the shoe, then shock absorption is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than distributing cushioning material throughout the entire shoe, the invention concentrates the cushion only in the lateral aspect above the cleat. This localized approach provides necessary shock absorption while minimizing the total amount of cushioning material required, thereby reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion provides shock absorption specifically where impact forces are most concentrated (above the cleat area) rather than uniformly throughout the shoe. This partial action approach delivers adequate protection against the most significant impact forces without the weight penalty of comprehensive cushioning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption elements are integrated into the shoe, then shock absorption is improved, but midsole thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is confined to specific regions within the lateral aspect of the shoe, particularly above the cleat, rather than extending through the entire midsole thickness. This localized placement allows shock absorption functionality without requiring increased overall midsole thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is positioned in the lateral dimension of the shoe rather than extending vertically through the midsole thickness. By utilizing the lateral space above the cleat, the design achieves shock absorption without compromising the horizontal dimensions or requiring a thicker midsole.
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
This design enhances shock absorption and lateral stability while minimizing weight and thickness, providing a more comfortable and performance-oriented athletic shoe experience.
Implementation Method 1
The cushion may be located only above the cleat. There may be open space between the primary midsole and the outsole to allow the cushion edges to expand when under compression forces.
Implementation Method 2
The cushion may be made of a flexible planar material and attached to the bottom surface of the primary midsole and disposed between the primary midsole and the outsole.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.