Diagonal Cored Midsole Structure for Lightweight Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear soles with midsoles struggle to balance weight, stability, and cushioning, particularly when incorporating additional structure for support, leading to increased weight without adequate stability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A cored midsole with diagonal geometry and apertures extending from 55 to 70 degrees, varying aperture sizes and shapes across regions, and a rocker shape to enhance cushioning, support, and stability while minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional structure is incorporated into the midsole for support, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole incorporates a cored structure with multiple apertures extending through it, creating a porous configuration that reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity. The apertures allow the material to be lighter without compromising the midsole's ability to provide support and stability during footwear use.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole combines different materials with complementary properties: a cored structure for weight reduction, a non-stretch fabric for dimensional stability, and a grooved configuration for controlled flexibility. This composite approach allows the midsole to achieve both lightness and stability simultaneously.
2Weight of moving object
If the midsole is made lighter by removing material, then weight is reduced, but cushioning and support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cored midsole structure with apertures reduces weight while the remaining material walls maintain cushioning properties. The porous configuration allows the midsole to be lighter without sacrificing its ability to absorb impact and provide support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes parameters such as aperture size, wall thickness, and material density to achieve the right balance between weight reduction and maintaining cushioning support. By carefully controlling these parameters, the midsole remains lightweight while preserving its shock-absorbing and supportive functions.
3Weight of moving object
If the midsole structure is simplified to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole combines a cored structure with a non-stretch fabric layer that provides dimensional stability. This composite construction allows the overall structure to remain lightweight while the fabric component ensures the midsole maintains its shape and stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-stretch fabric is strategically placed in specific regions of the midsole where stability is most needed, such as the heel and arch areas, while other regions maintain the lighter cored structure. This localized approach provides stability where required without unnecessarily increasing overall weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole for an article of footwear includes a cored midsole defining a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The cored midsole defines apertures extending diagonally from the top surface of the cored midsole to the bottom surface of the cored midsole.