Diagonal Stiffening Shoe Insert for Cycling Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe inserts fail to effectively distribute power from the foot to the pedal axle during cycling, leading to inefficiencies and loss of performance due to torsion and uneven force distribution across the foot.
Innovation Solution
A shoe insert with a stiffening area that runs diagonally from the talus and os naviculare to the lateral edge of the forefoot, providing a strong but flexible midfoot support and inclining the metatarsal heads to evenly distribute force across the forefoot, preventing medial turning and lateral escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shoe insert provides strong midfoot support to prevent torsion, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the insert becomes less flexible and more rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe insert applies local quality by providing targeted stiffening only in specific areas (midfoot region with diagonal reinforcement from talus to lateral forefoot) while maintaining flexibility in other areas. This localized approach prevents torsion where needed without making the entire insert rigid, resolving the contradiction between power transmission efficiency and overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe insert utilizes composite construction combining rigid stiffening elements (diagonal reinforcement, raised lateral edge structure) with more flexible base material. This composite approach allows the insert to provide necessary structural support for power transmission while maintaining adequate flexibility for comfort and adaptation to foot movement.
2Force
If force is concentrated at specific points (metatarsophalangeal joint), then propulsion is focused, but torsion occurs and power is dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe insert segments the force distribution by introducing a diagonal stiffening element that divides the midfoot region into distinct support zones. This segmentation creates multiple force transmission pathways from the talus through the midfoot to the forefoot, distributing propulsive force more evenly and reducing concentrated stress that causes torsion and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert adds a diagonal dimension to the traditional horizontal force distribution by creating a stiffening path from the talus area diagonally across the midfoot to the lateral forefoot. This diagonal reinforcement creates a three-dimensional force distribution pattern that better resists torsional forces compared to conventional horizontal support structures.
3Productivity
If the shoe insert stabilizes the foot completely, then pedaling efficiency increases, but natural cushioning mechanisms are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe insert applies local quality by providing rigid stabilization only in the midfoot region where torsion occurs during pedaling, while leaving the forefoot and heel areas more compliant. This localized stiffening approach maintains pedaling efficiency by preventing midfoot rotation while preserving natural cushioning mechanisms in areas where flexibility is still needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe insert implements dynamic characteristics by using materials and structures that provide different levels of rigidity in different regions - rigid in the midfoot for stability during power transfer, and more flexible in other areas to accommodate natural foot movement and cushioning. This dynamic design allows the insert to adapt its support characteristics based on the functional requirements of different foot regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shoe insert and a shoe, and in particular a shoe insert and a shoe that stabilize the foot during the walking motion and thereby increase walking power. To this end, a shoe insert has a stiffening region (120), wherein the stiffening region (120) comprises at least one region of the shoe insert extending substantially diagonally from the talus and os naviculare to the metatarsal head IV and/or V when the foot makes contact, wherein the stiffening region (120) is curved against the sole of the foot in the region of the talus and os naviculare when the foot makes contact and the shoe insert comprises a raised region, wherein at least the region from the metatarsal head III to the metatarsal head V is raised in design relative to the contact surface of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint when the foot makes contact. The invention further relates to a shoe having a corresponding footbed.