Embedded Carbon Plate Sole Structure for MTP Energy Return

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear designs fail to effectively enhance the energy return and stability during running movements, particularly at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, leading to energy loss and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer footwear plate within the sole structure, extending from the heel to the forefoot region, to increase stiffness and stability, combined with cleat structures for enhanced traction and ground engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate insole is placed inside the footwear, then comfort and fit can be adjusted, but the risk of loss, theft, or damage increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort adjustmentVSAvoidretention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insole is integrated directly into the footwear upper by being received within a recess formed in the upper material. This merging of the insole with the footwear structure eliminates the risk of loss or theft while maintaining the ability to provide comfort and fit adjustment. The insole becomes a permanent part of the footwear rather than a removable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate insole is placed inside the footwear, then comfort and fit can be adjusted, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort adjustmentVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper is pre-formed with a recess during the footwear manufacturing process, creating a prepared receptacle for the insole. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to create the recess, as it is already formed when the upper is constructed. The insole can then be simply placed into the pre-formed recess.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional footwear construction is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but custom orthotics cannot be properly integrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidorthotic integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear upper is segmented to include a distinct recess that separates the insole area from the rest of the upper structure. This segmentation allows custom orthotics to be properly integrated within the recess while maintaining the overall simplicity of traditional footwear construction. The recess acts as a dedicated space for orthotics without requiring complete redesign of the footwear manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4030953B1Footwear sole structure and upper with an embedded plate

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 NIKE INNOVATE CV

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An article of footwear includes an upper including a first upper portion that defines an ankle opening. The article of footwear includes a footwear plate including a composite material. The footwear plate includes a covered plate portion and an exposed plate portion coupled to the exposed plate portion. The article of footwear further includes a sole structure including a second upper portion. The second upper portion is an extension of the first upper portion and partially extends around the footwear plate. The second upper portion defines a ground-facing surface and an inner upper surface opposite the ground-facing surface. The second upper portion defines a sole opening extending through the inner upper surface and the ground-facing surface. The second upper portion covers the covered plate portion, and the exposed plate portion is aligned with the sole opening to expose the exposed plate portion.