Elliptical Plate Sole Structure for Faster Heel-to-Toe Roll
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures face a trade-off between providing adequate cushioning, flexibility, and protection while enhancing foot roll acceleration and ground surface contact protection, particularly in athletic shoes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rigid and resilient plate with a specific elliptical geometry into the sole structure, made of materials like carbon fiber and thermoplastic polyurethane, to enhance heel-to-toe roll acceleration and roll velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a softer, more cushioned midsole is used, then comfort and protection to the runner's foot is improved, but the sole structure becomes less rigid and durable
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct segments: a softer midsole layer for cushioning and comfort, and a harder outsole layer for durability and abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure uses composite materials with different hardness levels - a softer polymeric material for the midsole and a harder polymeric material for the outsole. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both comfort and durability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a rigid outsole is used, then abrasion resistance and longevity are improved, but cushioning and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into functional zones with the rigid outsole providing longevity and the flexible midsole providing comfort, allowing the structure to maintain both durability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Composite materials with contrasting mechanical properties are used - the harder outsole material ensures longevity while the softer midsole material maintains flexibility and comfort during use.
3Speed
If a curved plate with specific elliptical geometry is added, then roll acceleration and roll velocity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A curved plate with elliptical geometry is incorporated into the sole structure. The specific curvature of the plate is designed to enhance roll acceleration and roll velocity during the gait cycle, providing a mechanical advantage that improves speed-related performance parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The elliptical geometry of the curved plate with specific aspect ratio (1.1 to 1.9) represents a parameter change from conventional flat or simple curved designs. This geometric parameter optimization achieves enhanced roll characteristics while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a transition region between two sole structure layers. The transition region includes a curved portion having a geometry defined by a portion of an ellipse. A plate which includes the curved portion can be provided between the two sole structure layers. The sole structure enhances the roll acceleration of the article of footwear during use.