Electrostatic Adhesive Shoe Sole with Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe technologies fail to provide dynamic and adaptive grip enhancement that optimally responds to changing foot movements and surface conditions, potentially leading to inadequate traction in certain situations and increased susceptibility to injuries.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a piezoelectric generator to harvest energy from foot movements, powering an electrostatic adhesive sole that activates and deactivates based on force sensors, ensuring enhanced grip only when needed, thereby reducing excessive rotational grip and minimizing injury risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional friction-based sole materials are used, then the shoe provides basic grip, but it cannot dynamically adapt to changing foot movements and surface conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to foot movements and surface conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of sole structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sole transitions from a static friction-based structure to a dynamic electrostatic adhesive system that can activate and deactivate based on detected foot movements and surface conditions, enabling real-time adaptation without permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive properties of the sole are changed by varying the electrostatic field parameters (activation voltage, field strength) rather than changing the physical structure of the sole material, allowing dynamic adaptation through electrical parameter modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If continuous electrostatic adhesive activation is used, then maximum grip is maintained, but energy consumption increases and excessive rotational grip may cause injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic adhesive is activated periodically only when needed based on sensor detection of foot movements and surface conditions, rather than continuous activation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining grip reliability during critical phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Force sensors provide real-time feedback on foot movements and surface interaction, enabling the control system to intelligently activate or deactivate the electrostatic adhesive based on actual grip requirements, preventing excessive rotational grip while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Force

If high friction materials are used throughout the sole, then traction is improved, but the shoe cannot differentiate between translational and rotational forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction forceVSAvoidability to differentiate force types

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical friction-based grip system is replaced with an electrostatic adhesive system that can be precisely controlled through electrical fields, allowing differentiation between translational and rotational forces through sensor feedback and selective activation zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones of the sole can have different electrostatic adhesive properties or activation thresholds, allowing localized response to different types of forces (translational vs rotational) based on the specific requirements of each foot region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 adaptive and responsive grip enhancement, optimizing traction for athletic movements while minimizing the risk of sports injuries by activating the electrostatic adhesive only during translational forces and deactivating during rotational movements.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric generator configured to generate electricity when the user takes a step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a sole comprising an electrostatic adhesive portion configured to augment the grip of the sole in response to being activated by electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic adhesion: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10660402B2Electronically enhanced shoe grip

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 GRIMBERG MICHAEL FREDRICK

AI summary

A shoe apparatus with electronic grip enhancement is disclosed. In particular, the shoe includes: an electrical energy storage device such as a capacitor or battery; a piezoelectric generator configured to generate electricity when the user takes a step in the shoe; and a sole including an electrostatic adhesive portion configured to augment the grip of the shoe.