Variable-Height Protrusion Cushioning Member for Adaptive Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insoles struggle to balance shock absorption and support, with materials providing high energy rebound reducing cushioning feel and softer materials lacking stiffness for proper support.
Innovation Solution
Cushioning members with protrusions of varying heights that deform differently under pressure, providing initial cushioning and subsequent support and resilience by alternating deformation of taller and shorter protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rigid, elastic materials such as rubbers and high durometer gels are used, then high energy rebound is provided, but comfort is reduced due to hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The insole incorporates regions with different protrusion heights (taller and shorter) to provide locally differentiated cushioning characteristics. Taller protrusions provide initial cushioning for comfort, while shorter protrusions provide subsequent support, allowing the same material to deliver both comfort and support in different locations.
2Ease of operation
If softer materials like memory foams or low durometer foams are used, then comfort and shock absorption are improved, but stiffness needed for support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member is segmented into protrusions of varying heights that deform at different pressure thresholds. This segmentation allows the softer material to provide comfort through initial deformation of taller protrusions while shorter protrusions remain available to provide support stiffness when needed.
3Ease of operation
If materials providing high shock absorption are used, then cushioning feel is improved, but energy dissipation causes muscles to tire more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The insole provides dynamic cushioning characteristics that change with applied pressure. At low pressures (initial contact), taller protrusions deform to provide high cushioning. As pressure increases, shorter protrusions engage to provide support and reduce energy dissipation, creating a dynamic transition from cushioning-dominated to support-dominated behavior.
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
Achieves a tailored balance between cushioning and support by configuring protrusions to adapt to varying pressure levels, enhancing comfort and performance in footwear applications.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusions are configured to deform to provide cushioning
Implementation Method 2
The taller protrusions deform and absorb energy in response to pressure applied by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A cushioning member that includes a base, a plurality of protrusions extending from at least a portion of the base, the protrusions being configured to deform to provide cushioning; and an outer surface at least partially formed from distal ends of the protrusions, wherein at least a portion of a first protrusions is taller than an adjacent portion of a second protrusions so that the portion of the first protrusions deforms prior to the adjacent portion of the second protrusions in response to a pressure applied by a planar surface in contact with the outer surface of the cushioning member.