Deflectable Cleat Structure for Traction With Lateral Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleated athletic shoes increase the risk of injury to the athlete's knee and ankle ligaments due to the cleats resisting laterally inward movement, leading to injuries such as ligament, cartilage, and soft tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A sole portion with cleat systems featuring elastomeric structures that deflect or deform under lateral load, allowing the cleats to move laterally and vertically, and include pivot points and elastomeric elements to control deflection and restore the cleats to their neutral position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cleats are used to improve traction, then traction is improved, but the risk of injury to knee and ankle ligaments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat system transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable one. The cleats are designed to deflect, pivot, and move laterally in response to applied forces, allowing the system to adapt during athletic activities. This dynamic behavior reduces injury risk by permitting natural lower extremity movement while maintaining traction through controlled ground engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the cleat system by introducing elements with varying degrees of flexibility and mobility. The cleats incorporate movable components, elastomeric structures, and pivot mechanisms that allow the cleats to change their engagement characteristics with the ground surface, transitioning between firm grip and controlled deflection based on applied loads.
2Strength
If cleats firmly grip the ground to resist lateral movement, then traction is maintained, but stress on joints and ligaments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces intermediary elements between the cleat and ground surface, including movable cleat components, elastomeric structures, and pivot mechanisms. These intermediaries allow the cleat system to mediate the force transmission between the athlete and ground, permitting controlled deflection that reduces stress on joints while maintaining effective traction through regulated ground engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat system incorporates built-in compliance and deflection capabilities that act as a cushioning mechanism before excessive forces are transmitted to the athlete's joints. The movable cleat components and elastomeric structures are designed to deflect under load, absorbing and dissipating forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the lower extremities.
3Strength
If cleats are made rigid for penetration into ground surfaces, then penetration capability is improved, but lateral deflection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat system is divided into multiple segments and components, including the cleat body, movable elements, pivot mechanisms, and elastomeric structures. This segmentation allows different parts to perform specialized functions: the cleat head maintains rigidity for ground penetration, while the connected components provide flexibility and lateral deflection capability through controlled movement and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction combining rigid materials for the cleat head (to ensure penetration capability) with flexible materials such as elastomeric structures and movable components (to enable lateral deflection). This composite approach allows the cleat system to simultaneously achieve both penetration strength and adaptive 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
Reduces the risk of injury by dissipating force and allowing the cleats to deflect, thereby mitigating stress on joints and ligaments during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
each cleat being associated with an elastomeric structure that under sufficient lateral load deflects or deforms and thereby allows the cleat to laterally deflect or deform
Implementation Method 2
one or more elastomeric elements are included in the cleat system that engage with the cleat head portion and/or the post to control the degree of deformation or deflection in response to a lateral shear force and to restore the cleat to its neutral position once the force is removed
Implementation Method 3
the cleat post portion including a section having a complementary convex or concave shape that pivotably engages with the concave or convex receptacle portion in response to the shear force
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A sole portion for an item of footwear having a plurality of cleat systems, cleats, or plate structures that dissipate force by deflecting, deforming, displacing or otherwise shifting under selected force, or by facilitating cleat movement around a radial line during ground engagement.