Dynamic Spike Orientation for Uneven Ground Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic shoes with fixed spike or cleat orientation struggle to maintain proper traction and grip on varying surface types and levels, such as level ground, hillsides, or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A shoe traction system featuring an attachment element with a receptacle for a spike or cleat, combined with a resilient positioning element that dynamically adjusts the orientation of the traction device relative to the sole, allowing it to 'rock' and maintain contact with the surface, and varying socket densities for user weight adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spikes or cleats are secured to the outsole with fixed orientation, then the shoe structure is simple and stable, but the traction performance deteriorates on varying surface types and levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spike or cleat orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The positioning element allows the traction device to rotate and orient itself dynamically in response to surface conditions, enabling the shoe to adapt to hillsides, uneven ground, and various surface types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the traction device from fixed to variable. Through the positioning element with receptacle, the spike or cleat can change its angular orientation relative to the outsole based on the surface it contacts, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that adapts to environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If the spike or cleat orientation is fixed relative to the outsole, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to maintain maximum surface contact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element enables the traction device to dynamically adjust its orientation to maintain optimal contact with the surface. This dynamic capability ensures reliable surface contact stability across varying terrain while the modular design keeps the manufacturing process relatively straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction device performs self-adjustment through the positioning element, automatically orienting itself to maintain maximum surface contact without requiring external intervention or complex active control systems. This self-service mechanism improves reliability while avoiding the need for sophisticated manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient positioning element is added to allow orientation adjustment, then the adaptability to surfaces improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element functions as a flexible component that allows the traction device to rotate and orient itself. This flexible element provides the necessary adaptability to various surfaces while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient positioning element enables continuous adjustment of the traction device's orientation parameter. This simple mechanical parameter change mechanism provides high adaptability to surface conditions without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustable components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the traction device is made removable and adjustable, then the versatility for different surfaces improves, but the reliability of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element provides a dynamic connection that maintains stability through adaptability. The resilient nature of the positioning element allows the traction device to remain securely connected while adjusting its orientation, ensuring both reliability and versatility without compromising either aspect.
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 system provides enhanced traction and stability on different surfaces by allowing each spike or cleat to adjust independently, maintaining maximum surface contact and adapting to user weight and size through customizable socket densities.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient positioning element that dynamically adjusts the orientation of the traction device relative to the sole, allowing it to 'rock' and maintain contact with the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe traction system may have an attachment element to allow the orientation of a traction device, such as a golf spike or cleat, to change relative to a sole. The system may further include a positioning element made from a resilient material and returns the spike to a neutral position. The density of the resilient material may be selected according to a weight of a user of the shoe traction system. In operation, the shoe traction system may allow each spike secured to the outsole to form a dynamic positioning system for uneven or varying ground surfaces. The spikes may work independently of each other and all spikes may be adjusting at all times to any change in surfaces.