Dual-Durometer Outsole Lugs for Artificial Turf Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleats provide inadequate traction on artificial turf surfaces, slowing athletes down and increasing the risk of injury due to the inability of studs to penetrate and grip the surface effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dual durometer sole structure with compressible and incompressible lugs, where the first sole portion in the forefoot and hindfoot regions is compressible, and the second sole portion in the midfoot and hindfoot regions is incompressible, featuring a spring-back effect and enhanced lug design for improved traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional cleats are used on artificial turf surfaces, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but traction is insufficient and athletes are slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple lug elements with different durometer values, where each lug can independently compress and rebound. This segmentation allows the sole to adapt to artificial turf surfaces by having softer lugs penetrate the turf while harder lugs provide structural support, thereby improving athletic speed without requiring an overly complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outsole are assigned different durometer values to optimize performance for specific functions. Softer durometer lugs are placed in areas requiring turf penetration and flexibility, while harder durometer lugs are positioned for stability and structural integrity. This local differentiation enables the sole to provide adequate traction on artificial surfaces while maintaining manufacturability.
2Reliability
If conventional cleats are used on artificial turf surfaces, then manufacturing is simple, but traction is inadequate and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the durometer parameter of the outsole material to create a multi-durometer construction. By incorporating materials with different hardness values in specific configurations, the sole achieves reliable traction on artificial turf surfaces. The softer materials enable penetration and grip, while harder materials provide durability, collectively improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole utilizes composite construction combining materials of different durometer values within a single sole unit. This composite approach allows integration of soft and hard material properties to simultaneously achieve turf penetration, traction reliability, and structural support, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity through material science rather than mechanical complexity.
3Speed
If a dual durometer sole structure is implemented, then traction and speed are increased, but the sole structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dual durometer sole is segmented into distinct lug elements with different hardness values, allowing each segment to perform its specialized function independently. This segmentation enables the softer portions to compress and rebound for speed while the harder portions maintain structural integrity, achieving improved movement speed without requiring a completely redesigned complex sole architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure implements local quality variations by positioning different durometer materials in specific zones optimized for their functions. Softer materials are placed where compression and rebound are needed for propulsion, while harder materials are positioned for stability and support. This localized differentiation improves speed performance while keeping the overall structure manageable and manufacturable.
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
The dual durometer sole structure increases traction and speed on artificial surfaces by maintaining contact with the ground during various phases of movement, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible lugs are configured to compress when a force is imparted on the ends
Implementation Method 2
The compressible lugs enable better traction of the article of footwear by keeping the first outsole portion in contact with the ground/support surface for a longer amount of time through compression or bending
Implementation Method 3
The second sole portion includes a plurality of incompressible lugs. The second sole portion is primarily disposed within the midfoot and hindfoot regions
Implementation Method 4
The extension member of the second sole structure may provide a spring back effect during the toe-off phase of a gait
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole structure effective to increase traction on a support surface and including first and second sets of lugs. The first lugs can bend or move so as to decrease in dimension a greater amount in comparison to the second lugs in response to a force being applied to each of the first lugs and the second lugs.