Elevated Plate Sole Structure for Footwear Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear sole structures lack optimal flexibility and directional support, leading to inadequate shock absorption and sensitivity to fluid-filled chambers, which can affect comfort and performance during various athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elevated plate structure within the midsole, formed from non-foamed polymer materials, which is embedded partially within the midsole and features a thin upper plate with legs that engage the outsole, providing flexibility and structural benefits while minimizing the perception of fluid-filled chambers and enhancing shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional sole structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but shock absorption and directional support are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated plate structure is divided into multiple legs extending downward from the upper plate, with each leg providing independent support and shock absorption. This segmentation allows the structure to handle directional impacts more effectively while maintaining manageable complexity in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated plate structure combines non-foamed polymer materials for the upper plate and legs with fluid-filled chambers embedded within or adjacent to the midsole. This composite approach enhances shock absorption capabilities while the fluid-filled chambers provide additional cushioning without requiring complete replacement of the midsole material.
2Strength
If fluid-filled chambers are incorporated, then ground reaction force attenuation is enhanced, but sensitivity to chamber pressure affects comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated plate structure acts as an intermediary between the foot and the fluid-filled chambers. The upper plate and legs distribute and modulate the forces transmitted to the chambers, reducing the direct sensitivity to chamber pressure changes while maintaining enhanced ground reaction force attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled chambers can be configured with varying pressure levels and fluid volumes to optimize comfort and performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reduce sensitivity to pressure changes while maintaining effective shock absorption and ground reaction force attenuation.
3Strength
If midsole is made from polymer foam, then cushioning is provided, but flexibility and directional support are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated plate structure with its legged configuration provides segmented support that allows localized flexibility while maintaining overall structural integrity. This enables the midsole to adapt to directional impacts and foot movements more effectively than conventional foam alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Combining non-foamed polymer materials for the elevated plate structure with polymer foam in the midsole creates a composite system that leverages the cushioning properties of foam while adding the flexibility and directional support characteristics of the plate structure with legs.
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 elevated plate structure enhances the sole's flexibility, reduces the sensitivity of fluid-filled chambers, and provides additional strength to the midsole, improving shock absorption and support, particularly for directional impacts, thereby enhancing overall athletic performance and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing shock absorption
Implementation Method 2
attenuates ground reaction forces during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities
Implementation Method 3
formed from an elastomeric polymer material that is sealed and pressurized
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper is provided. The sole structure comprises an upper plate formed from a non-foamed polymer material and having an upper surface oriented toward the upper and an opposite lower surface oriented away from the upper; a lower plate formed from a non-foamed polymer material; a first leg extending downward from the lower surface of the upper plate away from the upper; and a second leg extending downward from the lower surface of the upper plate away from the upper; wherein the first leg and the second leg are curved toward each other and taper down in thickness as they extend from the upper plate toward the lower plate.