Dual-Layered Midsole with Strobel Board for Foot Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear fails to adapt to the changing shape of the foot during movement, leading to discomfort due to compression and rubbing, which can result in blisters and other issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layered midsole system comprising an internal midsole layer within a 'sock' that changes shape with the foot and an external midsole layer providing support and cushioning, separated by a Strobel board, allowing the shoe to conform to the foot's movement and distribute pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-layer midsole is used, then the shoe structure is simple, but the shoe cannot adapt to changing foot shapes during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into two separate layers: an internal midsole layer positioned within the foot compartment that can deform with the foot, and an external midsole layer positioned outside the foot compartment that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole system are given different properties: the internal midsole layer is designed to be more compliant and deformable to match foot shape changes, while the external midsole layer is designed to be more rigid to provide overall structural support and cushioning. This local differentiation of material properties enables both adaptability and structural stability.
2Reliability
If the shoe structure is rigid to provide support, then structural stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to compression and rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the midsole into internal and external layers, the system allows the internal layer to conform to and move with the foot, reducing compression and rubbing, while the external layer maintains structural stability and support. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between rigidity for support and flexibility for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal midsole layer acts as an intermediary between the foot and the external midsole layer. It absorbs and distributes pressure changes as the foot moves, preventing direct transmission of rigid forces from the external layer to the foot, thereby reducing compression and rubbing while maintaining overall structural support.
3Ease of operation
If the midsole is designed to adapt to foot movement, then comfort is improved, but energy absorption and return performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The division into internal and external midsole layers allows the internal layer to prioritize comfort by adapting to foot movement, while the external layer is optimized for energy absorption and return performance. Each layer can be independently tuned for its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties and thicknesses are applied to different layers: the internal layer uses materials and configurations optimized for comfort and adaptability, while the external layer uses materials and configurations optimized for energy return and cushioning, achieving both comfort and performance.
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-layered midsole system enhances wearer comfort by adapting to foot shape changes, reducing compression and rubbing, and providing tailored energy absorption and return properties to improve walking and running performance.
Implementation Method 1
the internal midsole layer is positioned within the foot compartment... allowing the volume of the sock to change as the volume of a wearer's foot changes
Implementation Method 2
external midsole layer is positioned outside of the foot compartment... providing support and cushioning
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-layered midsole for footwear includes an internal midsole layer and an external midsole layer, which are coupled to and separated by a Strobel board. The internal midsole layer may compress and expand with the movement of a wearer of an article of footwear including the dual-layered midsole, while the external midsole may provide stability and cushion for the wearer. Materials selected for the internal and external midsole layers may provide tuned viscoelastic properties to different areas of the midsole as a function of midsole layer thickness at each sole area.