Fiber Outsole Plate With Integrated Traction and Anisotropic Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures lack optimal integration of traction elements and rigidity, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of durability, wear-resistance, and ground engagement.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure for footwear comprising a layered outsole plate formed from fiber strands arranged in specific patterns to provide gradient load paths and anisotropic stiffness, integrated with curable resin to form a unitary structure, and combined with traction elements for enhanced ground engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sole structures use simple material composition, then manufacturing is easier, but durability and wear-resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber strands (such as aramid, carbon, or glass fibers) with thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a layered outsole plate. This composite structure provides enhanced durability, wear-resistance, and mechanical strength while maintaining manufacturability through integration molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating layered structures with different fiber orientations and material compositions in specific regions of the outsole plate. The fiber strands are arranged in alternating directions in different layers to provide anisotropic stiffness and optimized performance in specific areas, such as higher rigidity in the midfoot region and flexibility in the forefoot region.
2Reliability
If traction elements are simply attached to the outsole, then device complexity is lower, but ground engagement and traction performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traction elements with the outsole plate by integrating them into a unitary structure through co-molding or overmolding processes. The traction elements are formed as integral parts of the outsole plate, ensuring optimal ground engagement and eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the outsole plate uses uniform material properties, then manufacturing is simpler, but load distribution and energy management are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating layered structures with different fiber orientations and material compositions in specific regions of the outsole plate. The fiber strands are arranged in alternating directions in different layers to provide anisotropic stiffness and optimized performance in specific areas, such as higher rigidity in the midfoot region and flexibility in the forefoot region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber strands (such as aramid, carbon, or glass fibers) with thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a layered outsole plate. This composite structure provides enhanced durability, wear-resistance, and mechanical strength while maintaining manufacturability through integration molding processes.
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 improved durability, wear-resistance, and enhanced traction by optimizing the integration of traction elements and rigidity in the sole structure, ensuring better ground engagement and overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sole structure for footwear comprising a layered outsole plate formed from fiber strands arranged in specific patterns to provide gradient load paths and anisotropic stiffness, integrated with curable resin to form a unitary structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a first layer including a first bundle of fibers, a second layer including a second bundle of fibers, a traction element having a first portion disposed between the first layer and the second layer and a second portion extending from one of the first layer and the second layer and a resin that consolidates the first bundle of fibers and the second bundle of fibers.