Differential-Stiffness Impact-Attenuating Members for Footwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact-attenuation members in footwear are symmetric, leading to uniform impact attenuation capabilities that do not account for varying stiffness requirements in different areas, such as the heel and forefoot, which can result in inadequate performance during specific activities like running and walking.
Innovation Solution
The development of differential-stiffness impact-attenuation members featuring a spring element with varying stiffness characteristics along its length and width, incorporating a tension element that adjusts to uneven loads, allowing for non-symmetrical deflection and customized impact attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symmetric impact-attenuation members are used, then manufacturing is simple and structure is uniform, but impact attenuation performance is inadequate for specific activities like running and walking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the spring element with different stiffness characteristics at its front and back ends. The front end has a first stiffness characteristic while the back end has a second stiffness characteristic that differs from the first. This asymmetric design allows the impact-attenuation member to provide differentiated support for various foot activities (running, walking, jumping) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform stiffness is provided throughout the impact-attenuation member, then manufacturing is easier, but comfort and performance are reduced due to inability to tailor stiffness to specific zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different stiffness characteristics at different locations of the spring element. The front end portion has a first stiffness characteristic while the back end portion has a second stiffness characteristic. This allows each region of the impact-attenuation member to be optimized for its specific function (front for running/jumping, back for walking) while still being manufactured as a single integrated component.
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
This solution provides tailored impact attenuation, enhancing comfort and performance by varying the stiffness characteristics across different areas of the foot-receiving device, improving shock absorption and energy return in specific zones.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element resiliently compresses under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
a tension element extending, at least partially across the width dimension of the impact-attenuation member, between a first engagement portion engaging the spring element and a second engagement portion engaging the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
A differential-stiffness impact-attenuation member includes at least one spring element. The spring element has dimensions in height, length and width directions. The height dimension extends from a top surface to a bottom surface. The length dimension extends from a front end to a back end. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for mounting. The impact-attenuation member has a first stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the front end of the spring element and a second stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the back end of the spring element. The spring element may define a cavity. A tension element may engage the spring element and be located at least partially within the cavity.; The impact-attenuation member may engage at least one of a foot-covering member, a foot-supporting member and a surface-contacting member associated with a foot-receiving device.