Dynamic Foot Arch Support Shoe With Medial Elastic Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe designs fail to provide a dynamic and comfortable foot arch support, particularly under the navicular bone, which is critical for maintaining proper foot alignment and reducing biomechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a sole with a harder elastic material band positioned medially and softer elastic material inside, integrated with an archroller and shank, providing progressive support that adjusts to foot pressure, enhancing comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hard sole with rigid non-elastic material is used, then structural support and stability are improved, but comfort and adaptability to foot movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into distinct functional zones: a harder elastic material band (first material) for structural support and a softer elastic material (second material) for comfort. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between support and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The harder material is positioned medially under the navicular bone for support, while softer material is used in other areas for comfort. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction by providing hard support where needed and soft comfort where needed.
2Ease of operation
If softer elastic material is used throughout the midsole, then comfort is improved, but structural support and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into functional segments with the harder material band providing structural support while the softer material provides comfort. This segmentation ensures that comfort does not compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole uses a composite structure combining harder elastic material and softer elastic material in specific configurations. This composite approach allows the sole to exhibit both supportive and comfortable characteristics simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between soft comfort and hard support.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform material hardness is used in the midsole, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but dynamic adaptability and targeted support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole employs local quality variation with different material hardness in different regions. The harder material band is strategically positioned under the navicular bone area while softer material is used elsewhere, creating dynamic adaptability without overly complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter (hardness/elasticity) in specific regions of the midsole. By varying the elasticity parameter of the material in different zones, the sole achieves dynamic adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through molded construction.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the band of harder elastic material is wider on the medial side, then support under the navicular bone is improved, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harder elastic material band is configured with variable width - wider medially under the navicular bone where support is needed, and narrower laterally where less support is required. This local differentiation provides targeted support while minimizing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The band of harder material is designed asymmetrically, being wider on the medial side than on the lateral side. This asymmetric configuration provides enhanced support where anatomically needed (under the navicular bone) while reducing material usage in areas where less support is required.
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 offers dynamic foot arch support, reducing excessive navicular drop and promoting better foot alignment, suitable for individuals with diabetes and improving weight distribution and circulation.
Implementation Method 1
The sole has harder elasticity under the foot arch and cuneiforme mediale and os naviculare of the user than standard walking shoe soles, but the initial compressive elasticity is soft, providing comfort
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a shoe (1) with a sole providing a dynamic foot arch support, the shoe comprising a rubber outsole (9) and an upper (10), the shoe further comprises a midsole (2), the midsole comprising a harder elastic material (4), a softer elastic material (5), wherein the harder elastic material has elastic hardness in a range 1,3 to 3 times higher than the softer elastic material. The shoe is distinguished in that the harder elastic material is arranged in a band (3) inside the periphery of the midsole, wherein the softer elastic material (5) is arranged in the midsole inside the band of the harder elastic material, and the shoe further comprises : a support structure (8) arranged below the softer elastic material in direction medial to lateral and positioned from vertically below to 4 cm in front of the naviculare bone center of a typical user with feet fitting the shoe size, wherein the support structure has higher elastic hardness than the harder elastic material, with a larger vertical dimension medial compared to lateral as seen with the shoe standing on a horizontal surface, providing increased support under the medial side of the foot arch compared to the lateral side of the foot arch.