Cycling Shoe Insole Segmentation for Adaptive Arch Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoes, particularly cycling shoes, fail to provide adequate arch support and adjustability, leading to power loss during pedaling due to inadequate foot wrapping, and can cause discomfort or deformities from excessive closure.
Innovation Solution
A sports shoe design featuring an insole integrated with the upper and sole, adjustable through a tightening strip or belt system with flexible sections and engagement means, allowing precise adjustment without high forces, and incorporating a deformable section to enhance wrapping and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure is considerably tightened to eliminate the void between the inner sole and the foot, then the foot wrapping and support are improved, but uncomfortable disturbances such as tingling or over-bone formation occur due to excessive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple functional zones: a rigid arch support portion that provides structural support, and a deformable forefoot portion that adapts to the user's foot shape. This segmentation allows different parts of the insole to perform different functions, providing adequate wrapping without excessive compression in any single area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the insole have different mechanical properties: the arch support portion is rigid to provide structural support, while the forefoot portion is deformable to adapt to the user's foot morphology. This local differentiation of material properties enables optimal support without harmful compression.
2Reliability
If a rigid insole is used to provide arch support, then the arch support is improved, but the adaptability to different foot morphologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into a rigid arch support portion and a deformable forefoot portion. This allows the rigid portion to provide consistent arch support while the deformable portion adapts to various foot shapes and morphologies, resolving the contradiction between support consistency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole employs local quality differentiation where the arch support area uses rigid material for structural integrity, while the forefoot area uses deformable material for adaptation. This local differentiation simultaneously achieves reliable arch support and adaptability to different feet.
3Reliability
If a tightening system with high closure forces is used to secure the foot, then the foot wrapping is improved, but the sole torsion and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insole's forefoot portion is designed with deformable characteristics that allow dynamic adaptation during the pedaling motion. The deformable portion can flex and deform as needed, maintaining foot wrapping while preserving sole torsion and flexibility throughout the movement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable forefoot portion is strategically placed in the area that needs to flex during pedaling, while the rigid arch support portion maintains structural integrity. This local differentiation enables the sole to maintain torsion and flexibility without compromising foot wrapping.
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 design ensures optimal arch support and adjustability, preventing power loss and discomfort, suitable for various foot morphologies, including flat feet, while maintaining sole torsion and reducing flexion issues.
Implementation Method 1
an insole (4) inserted in the upper (3) and arranged opposite to the sole (2) with respect to the bottom (3a) of the upper (3) or constrained on the open bottom (3a) of the upper (3) and then constrained to the sole (2) or closed below by the sole (2), which, in turn, is connected to the upper (3)... a deformable section (7) arranged in an edge portion (4a) of the insole (4) actually enclosed, in use, in whole or in part by the strip or tape or belt or pull component (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shoe, for example a sports shoe, such as a cycling shoe comprising a sole, an upper (3) constrained to the sole (2) and an insole (4) inserted in the upper (3) or constrained to the open bottom (3a) of the upper (3).