Deflectable Cleat Systems for Traction and Force Dissipation
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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 lateral inward movement, leading to injuries such as ligament, cartilage, and soft tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A sole portion with cleat systems that include elastomeric structures allowing the cleats to deflect, deform, or shift under lateral force, featuring a radial pattern and anisotropic deformation, with elastomeric elements controlling the degree of deformation and restoring the cleat to its neutral position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed cleats are used to improve traction, then grip on ground surface is enhanced, but risk of ligament and ankle injury increases due to resistance against lateral inward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic system where cleats can deflect laterally under load. The elastomeric material allows cleats to move and adapt to ground conditions, reducing harmful forces transmitted to the athlete's lower extremities while maintaining traction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the cleat mounting structure by using elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (40-90A). This material property selection allows the cleats to exhibit controlled deflection characteristics, balancing traction grip with injury prevention through parameter optimization.
2Reliability
If rigid cleats are used to maximize ground engagement, then traction is improved, but force dissipation and shock absorption are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material provides inherent cushioning and shock absorption capabilities before forces are transmitted to the athlete's body. The material's elasticity allows it to absorb and dissipate impact forces during ground contact, protecting the athlete from sudden force spikes while maintaining cleat-ground engagement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cleats are made laterally deflectable to reduce injury risk, then force resistance is reduced, but traction effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is strategically positioned at the cleat mounting location rather than throughout the entire cleat structure. This localized application allows the cleat head to maintain its shape and ground-engaging properties while the mounting area provides controlled deflection, preserving traction effectiveness while reducing harmful forces.
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 joint injuries by dissipating force through lateral deflection of cleats, providing enhanced traction while minimizing damage to ligaments and cartilage.
Implementation Method 1
Each cleat is 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
the elastomeric structure is disposed around the anchor, or a selected side of the anchor, and between the walls of the cavity, the cleat thereby being free to move over the anchor and relative to the sole plate under sufficient lateral force, based on compression of the elastic material in response to the force
Data Source
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.