Dynamic Insole With Segmented Heel Caps and Sidewall Reliefs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insoles provide uniform stiffness, which can overwhelm wearers with high haptic sensitivity, while less structured sock liners offer inadequate support and feedback.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates heel caps with movable tabs and reliefs in the peripheral sidewalls, allowing for adjustable stiffness and reduced haptic feedback through the use of different materials and structures, such as closed-cell foam and rigid plastics, to provide enhanced support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a structured insole with predetermined stiffness is used, then support is improved, but haptic feedback to sensitive wearers worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple independent elements (e.g., individual pods or segments) rather than a continuous rigid structure. Each element can independently deform and rebound, providing support through collective action while reducing excessive haptic feedback to sensitive wearers.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole elements are designed to dynamically adapt their stiffness characteristics based on loading conditions. The elements remain relatively compliant under light loads to minimize haptic feedback to sensitive wearers, while providing adequate support under higher loads through elastic rebound.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sock liner with less structure is used, then haptic feedback to sensitive wearers is reduced, but support worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The insole elements utilize material parameter changes through elastic deformation. The elements are made from materials with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform under load and rebound, providing support without the excessive stiffness of traditional structured insoles. The elastic modulus and damping characteristics are optimized to balance support and haptic feedback reduction.
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
This design enhances support while minimizing vibration and haptic feedback, increasing comfort for wearers by allowing greater freedom of movement and distributing forces more naturally, accommodating individual sensitivity and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
The design incorporates heel caps with movable tabs and reliefs in the peripheral sidewalls, allowing for adjustable stiffness and reduced haptic feedback through the use of different materials and structures, such as closed-cell foam
Implementation Method 2
The design incorporates heel caps with movable tabs and reliefs in the peripheral sidewalls, allowing for adjustable stiffness and reduced haptic feedback through the use of different materials and structures
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to an insole (102a, 102b) for footwear. The insole preferably includes a bottom surface, a peripheral sidewall, and a relief (112a, 112b, 114a, 114b). The bottom surface has a perimeter, and the peripheral sidewall preferably extends upward from the perimeter of the bottom surface. The relief is preferably disposed in the peripheral sidewall.