Dual Material Shoe Sole with Hole and Groove for Flexion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles lack efficient design elements for enhanced flexibility and cushioning, particularly in the heel region, which can lead to discomfort during walking as they fail to adequately absorb and distribute ground forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole design featuring a lower sole member made of a first material and an upper sole member of a second, softer material, with a hole and groove segments that facilitate flexion, allowing the upper sole member to compress and provide additional cushioning by extending into the hole, thereby enhancing flexibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional single-material sole is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but flexibility and cushioning are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple segments: a lower sole member extending through the entire foot and an upper sole member extending into the heel region. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized independently - the lower sole provides structural support while the upper sole provides cushioning and flexibility in the heel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole uses composite construction with a lower sole member made of a first material and an upper sole member made of a second material. This composite structure enables different regions of the sole to have different material properties, combining the benefits of various materials to achieve both flexibility and cushioning.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional single-material sole is used, then manufacturing is simple, but cushioning in the heel region is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sole member is positioned specifically in the heel region where cushioning is most needed. This local placement provides targeted cushioning in the heel area without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire sole structure. The groove segments are also strategically positioned to enhance flexibility where required.
3Ease of operation
If the upper sole member extends into the hole, then cushioning is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sole member extends into the hole in the lower sole member, creating a nested arrangement where one sole member is positioned within the other. This nesting provides enhanced cushioning in the heel region while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard processes.
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 design improves flexibility and cushioning, allowing for better absorption and distribution of ground forces, reducing discomfort and enhancing walking experience by combining the flexibility of the lower sole with the compressibility of the upper sole material.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the upper sole member to compress and provide additional cushioning by extending into the hole
Implementation Method 2
A hole in the lower sole member extends from the lower side of the lower sole member to the upper side of the lower sole member... A portion of the upper sole member extends downwardly from the upper side of the lower sole member into the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe comprising a sole. The sole includes an upper sole member and a lower sole member of different materials. The lower sole member has a hole extending from its lower side to its upper side, and a projection of the upper sole member extends downwardly into the hole. The lower sole member further includes a longitudinal flex groove extending from a toe region to a front end of the hole, and from a rear end of the hole to a sole heel end. The longitudinal flex groove and hole combine to facilitate transverse flexion of the lower sole member in response to gait forces from the ground and a wearer's foot.