Dynamic Support Footwear Upper for Regional Fit and Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear designs fail to provide dynamic and regionally controlled support, particularly for the metatarsophalangeal joint during running movements, leading to energy drain and inadequate energy return.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of dynamic supports anchored on opposite medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper, which are tensioned by a lace to provide customized fit and secure the upper around the foot, enhancing regional support and energy return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If flat and rigid plates are embedded within the sole structure to increase stiffness, then the overall stiffness of the sole structure increases, but the energy return during running movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of support to different regions of the foot. The dynamic support structure includes a first support portion for the metatarsophalangeal joint and a second support portion for the heel, allowing each region to receive appropriate support based on its specific functional requirements during running movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a dynamic support structure that can adapt to movement. The support structure includes a first portion and a second portion that can move relative to each other, allowing the system to transition between different support states based on the running movement phase, thereby optimizing both stiffness and energy return.
2Reliability
If dynamic supports are added to provide regional support and customized fit, then the support and energy return improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dynamic support structure into distinct portions: a first support portion for the metatarsophalangeal joint area and a second support portion for the heel area. Each portion can be independently configured and positioned to provide specialized support, making the overall complex function manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the dynamic support structure within the existing upper and sole structure of the footwear. The support portions are positioned within the footbed cavity and interact with existing structural elements, allowing the additional support function to be embedded within the existing design rather than adding external complexity.
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 dynamic supports enhance the fit and provide customized support to the foot, improving energy return and reducing energy drain during running movements.
Implementation Method 1
dynamic supports anchored on opposite medial and lateral sides of the footwear upper, which are tensioned by a lace to provide customized fit
Implementation Method 2
The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot is known to absorb energy as it flexes through dorsiflexion during running movements. As the foot does not move through plantarflexion until the foot is pushing off of a ground surface, the MTP joint returns little of the energy it absorbs to the running movement
Data Source
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AI summary
An upper for an article of footwear includes an upper body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The upper body defines a throat between the first side and the second side. Further, the upper body defines an opening extending through the second side. The upper includes a lace extending across the throat between the first side and the second side. The upper further includes a dynamic support coupled to the upper body at the first side. The dynamic support extends across the throat from the first side to the second side. The dynamic support extends through the opening formed in the second side. The lace is attached to the dynamic support at the second side to apply tension on the dynamic support toward the second side when the lace is tightened.