Reinforced Composite Sheet Material for Athletic Shoe Energy Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic shoes lack improved flexural characteristics and energy return properties, particularly in pronation and supination, which affect comfort and performance during activities.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced flexible composite is integrated into the shoe structure, comprising coplanar reinforcement rods and a flexible sheet with hinges, made of fiberglass fibers impregnated with thermoplastic resin, to enhance stiffness and energy return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional cushioning materials (gels, air capsules, thermoplastic waves) are used in athletic shoes, then comfort and some degree of energy return are provided, but flexural characteristics and energy return properties remain insufficient for high-performance athletic activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining reinforcement rods (carbon fiber or fiberglass) with a flexible sheet material to create a reinforced flexible composite structure. This composite construction provides both the necessary flexibility for comfort and the structural integrity for improved energy return and pronation/supination control during athletic activities
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced flexible composite is segmented into multiple coplanar reinforcement rods that are parallel to each other and spaced apart, with hinges positioned between adjacent rods. This segmentation allows the structure to flex at hinge locations while maintaining overall rigidity, enabling controlled deflection and energy return without compromising flexural characteristics
2Power
If rigid reinforcement structures are added to improve energy return and pronation control, then athletic performance is enhanced, but shoe flexibility and comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a structure that is rigid in some aspects (reinforcement rods for energy return) but flexible in others (hinges for bending). The reinforced flexible composite dynamically adapts during athletic activities, providing stiffness when needed for power transfer and flexibility when needed for comfort and range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible sheet material as the base structure and incorporates reinforcement rods within or attached to this flexible matrix. The flexible sheet allows the overall structure to bend and conform to foot movement while the embedded rods provide localized stiffness for energy return, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility
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 composite provides improved comfort and energy return, allowing athletes to perform at a higher level by increasing stride length and reducing joint stress.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforced flexible composite below the foot wherein the reinforced flexible composite provides improved comfort and improvements in supination and pronation of the foot during activities and returns energy to the foot
Implementation Method 2
coplanar bundles of continuous fiberglass reinforcing fibers impregnated with a thermoplastic resin wherein the reinforced flexible composite comprises a hinge between each adjacent coplanar bundle of continuous fiberglass reinforcing fibers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a flexible reinforced composite and an improved athletic shoe comprising the flexible reinforced composite. At least a portion of the reinforced flexible composite comprises coplanar reinforcement rods and a flexible sheet comprising a hinge.