Shoe Midsole Flexible Leg Structure for Shock Absorption and Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current footwear technologies inadequately address energy absorption and return, failing to provide effective shock absorption and efficient energy retrieval during foot movement.
Innovation Solution
A shoe device featuring multiple flexible legs joined at a common area, made from materials like carbon fiber and thermoplastic elastomers, which compress and flex to store energy and return it when force is applied and released, respectively, integrated into the midsole for enhanced energy absorption and return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional footwear materials and structures are used, then the shoe provides basic support and comfort, but it fails to effectively absorb shock and return energy during foot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into multiple independent flexible legs (first, second, third, and fourth flexible legs) that can individually compress and rebound. Each flexible leg acts as an independent energy storage and return unit, allowing the system to effectively absorb and return energy through the collective action of multiple segmented elements rather than a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible legs are designed to dynamically change their mechanical properties during foot movement. When force is applied during impact, the flexible legs compress to absorb energy, then dynamically rebound to return energy propelling the foot forward. This dynamic behavior allows the footwear to adapt to varying forces and movement phases, effectively managing energy throughout the gait cycle.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for structural support, then the shoe provides stability and durability, but it cannot effectively compress and return energy like a trampoline mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible legs are constructed from materials that combine flexibility with structural integrity, such as thermoplastic elastomers, carbon fiber, or Kevlar. These materials form thin-walled structures that can compress under load while maintaining sufficient strength to support the foot and withstand repeated use. The flexible shell structure allows energy storage through compression while preventing catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible legs utilize composite material construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both strength and energy storage capability. For example, carbon fiber provides high strength-to-weight ratio and elastic recovery, while thermoplastic elastomers provide flexibility and shock absorption. This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously support body weight and effectively return energy during rebound.
3Loss of energy
If multiple flexible legs are joined at a common area to create a trampoline-like mechanism, then energy storage and return is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexible legs are joined together at a common connection point or common area, merging their individual energy storage functions into a coordinated system. This consolidation allows the flexible legs to work together as an integrated trampoline mechanism, where the common joining area distributes and coordinates the forces from each leg, enabling efficient energy transfer and return while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The common area where the flexible legs join serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connection point, a force distribution node, an energy transfer interface, and a mounting point for additional components such as springs or dampers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving effective energy retrieval.
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 device effectively stores and returns energy with each foot movement, enhancing comfort and performance by mimicking a trampoline-like mechanism within the shoe, improving shock absorption and energy retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and are configured to return energy when the force is removed from the common area
Implementation Method 2
the device further includes a spring extending from a bottom surface of the common area
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, a fourth foot, a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and to return energy when the force is removed from the common area.