Dynamic Arch Support Footwear Wedge Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear impedes the natural shock absorptive and cushioning capabilities of the human foot by limiting arch compression and causing splaying, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage due to passive arch supports that restrict foot biomechanics and fail to provide dynamic support or reduce splaying.
Innovation Solution
The development of footwear with a convex shaped outsole and wedges that rotate and slide, creating a dynamic arch support system to enhance foot arch rigidity and comfort by allowing inferior compression, reducing splaying, and storing energy for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive medial arch support is used in footwear, then the foot receives structural support, but the natural shock absorptive and cushioning capabilities of the foot are impeded and splaying is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static passive arch support with a dynamic system comprising movable wedges and an elastic member that adapt to foot movement. The wedges can rotate and slide to accommodate the natural splaying and compression of the foot arch during walking and running, while the elastic member provides continuous dynamic support without restricting biomechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the arch support from rigid (passive) to flexible and adaptive (dynamic). The elastic member and movable wedges allow the support structure to change its parameters (position, angle, compression) in response to foot movement, enabling it to provide support while accommodating natural foot biomechanics including splaying and compression.
2Strength
If rigid sole construction is used, then durability and traction are improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sole into multiple segments including the outsole, midsole, and insole with the dynamic arch support system. This segmentation allows each layer to serve different functions - the outsole provides durability and traction, while the midsole and insole with the elastic member and movable wedges provide flexibility and adaptive support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining different materials and mechanisms - the elastic member (flexible), movable wedges (mechanical), and sole layers (durable) work together to achieve both durability and flexibility. The composite system allows the rigid components to provide strength while the elastic and movable components provide flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive arch support cushion is used, then some accommodation for different arch heights is achieved, but optimal support for each user's specific arch geometry is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-adjusting mechanism where the elastic member and movable wedges automatically adapt to the user's specific arch geometry and movement patterns. The system self-regulates the support force and position based on real-time foot biomechanics, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for different arch types while providing optimized support for each user.
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 solution provides improved arch support and comfort by enhancing foot biomechanics, reducing splaying, and assisting with walking and running through energy storage and release, thereby alleviating discomfort and potential damage associated with passive arch supports.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and elastic member between the forefoot sole section and the heel sole section configured to increase cushioning effects, store and dissipate energy thereby assisting with propulsion
Implementation Method 2
When the footwear is worn and weight is placed down onto the sole, the front end and the back end of the outsole each bend about the respective places of contact bending in opposite directions causing the outsole of the footwear to flatten in the forefoot sole region and the rear sole region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.