Convex Midfoot Support Insole for High-Heel Load Redistribution

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-heeled footwear is uncomfortable and painful due to insufficient midfoot support and concentration of load on the forefoot, leading to discomfort and pain during wear, especially as heel height increases, causing issues like foot cramping, toe crowding, and lower back pain.

Innovation Solution

A convex midfoot support structure made of elastomeric material with a thickness of 10 mm to 25 mm, positioned behind the metatarsal heads and terminating before the heel, to redistribute load across the entire foot, providing both support and cushioning, and optionally including forefoot support to alleviate pressure on the ball area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If heel height is increased to achieve a more stylish and elegant appearance, then the wearer looks taller and more professional, but the load distribution changes causing 70% of body weight to be borne by the balls of the foot and substantially less pressure on the heel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel heightVSAvoidfoot discomfort and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insole incorporates a midfoot support structure with specific local properties (convex shape, elastomeric material, 10-25mm thickness) positioned at the midfoot area to provide targeted support and load redistribution, making different parts of the insole have different functional characteristics to address the specific pressure distribution problem caused by high heels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If heel height is increased to achieve a more stylish and elegant appearance, then the wearer looks taller and more professional, but the forefoot contact area reduces and moves forwardly near to the toe area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel heightVSAvoidforefoot contact area

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insole incorporates a midfoot support structure with specific local properties (convex shape, elastomeric material, 10-25mm thickness) positioned at the midfoot area to provide targeted support and load redistribution, making different parts of the insole have different functional characteristics to address the specific pressure distribution problem caused by high heels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the insole contour does not conform to the wearer's foot to maintain a sleek shoe construction, then the shoe appears more stylish, but the wearer's foot does not come into contact with the footbed in the central areas creating a gap of about 6 inches where the foot is suspended in air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsole contourVSAvoidinsufficient midfoot support

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insole incorporates a midfoot support structure with specific local properties (convex shape, elastomeric material, 10-25mm thickness) positioned at the midfoot area to provide targeted support and load redistribution, making different parts of the insole have different functional characteristics to address the specific pressure distribution problem caused by high heels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The midfoot support structure is pre-formed with a convex shape and elastomeric material properties that anticipate and prepare for the foot's contact, ensuring immediate support and load redistribution upon wear, rather than requiring the foot to adapt to a flat or conforming insole

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional insole materials are used to maintain simple construction, then manufacturing is easier, but the insole cannot provide sufficient support and cushioning to redistribute load and reduce plantar pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsole constructionVSAvoidplantar pressure concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insole utilizes elastomeric material with specific properties (compliance, cushioning characteristics) for the midfoot support structure, combining different material characteristics to achieve both support and comfort functions that conventional single-material insoles cannot provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Significantly increases wearer comfort by redistributing load, reducing plantar pressure, and providing solid support, allowing for more even weight distribution and reduced lateral displacement of the heel, thus enhancing overall foot support and reducing pain.

Implementation Method 1

A convex midfoot support structure made of elastomeric material with a thickness of 10 mm to 25 mm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

providing both support and cushioning, and optionally including forefoot support to alleviate pressure on the ball area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11412816B2Insole pivot system for footwear

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SINGLETON ANGELA

AI summary

A shoe, particularly a high-heeled shoe, containing a convex midfoot support structure formed of a cushioning material that is sized and shaped to have a height (h1) sufficient to contact and to support at least a portion of the midfoot area of the wearer's foot. The midfoot support may be constructed of an elastomeric material with a maximum thickness of between 10 mm and 22 mm, and includes a support platform and side walls. Preferably, a forefoot support may also be provided on the upper surface of the insole in the forefoot portion of the insole.