Force-Transmission Dance Shoe Structure for Toe Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ballet pointe shoes cause deformation of the feet due to the entire weight being carried by the toes during pointe dancing, leading to long-term stress and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A dance or sports shoe with a sole and upper shoe design that incorporates at least one force transmission element with a sole proximate and sole distal region, allowing for direct force transmission between the foot and sole, featuring adjustable fastening mechanisms to optimize pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire weight is carried by the toes during pointe dancing, then the pointe dancing function is achieved, but the foot deformation and stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission element is divided into multiple segments (first, second, and third elements) positioned at different locations along the foot. Each segment transmits force independently, distributing the total load across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on the toes alone, thereby reducing peak stresses while maintaining pointe dancing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element acts as an intermediary structure between the foot and the sole. It provides an additional force transmission path that redirects some of the load from the toes to other parts of the foot, reducing the harmful concentration of force on the toe tips while still enabling pointe dancing
2Ease of operation
If traditional hand-made construction is used, then the shoe fits the foot well, but the manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into separable components: an upper shoe and a sole-cap unit that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The force transmission element is also a separate component that can be attached to the sole-cap unit. This modular approach enables rational manufacturing while maintaining custom fit quality
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different foot shapes and sizes. This adjustability maintains the custom fit quality of hand-made shoes while enabling standardized manufacturing processes
Data Source
AI summary
A dance or sports shoe is described. This has a sole (12) with an inner side and an outer side and an upper shoe (20), which has a foot section (22). In order to achieve a tight fit of the dance or sports shoe on the foot, at least one force transmission element (30, 40, 50) is provided, which has a sole proximate region and a sole distal region. In the state of use, the sole proximate region is form-fitting and/or force-fitting fixed to the sole (12) and the sole distal region extends over the surface of the foot wearing the dance or sports shoe facing away from the sole of the foot.