Foot Support Sole Projections for Soccer Ball Control Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear lacks effective mechanisms for enhancing ball control and feedback during sports that require precise foot movements, such as soccer, by providing adequate traction and proprioceptive feedback.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sole structure with a field of flexible projections at the ground-facing surface that extend beyond the base surface, allowing for better ball engagement, tactile and audio feedback, and improved control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sole structures are used, then basic traction is provided, but ball control and proprioceptive feedback are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a projection field with numerous small projections for ball interaction and proprioceptive feedback, and separate traction elements for ground engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole structure have different qualities: the projection field area provides tactile feedback and ball control, while the traction element areas provide grip and stability. This local differentiation of functional properties resolves the contradiction between ball control and reliable proprioceptive feedback.
2Productivity
If visual confirmation is relied upon for ball control, then simplicity is maintained, but performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure provides self-service by generating proprioceptive feedback through the projection field, enabling the athlete to sense ball contact and position without visual confirmation. This sensory feedback mechanism operates autonomously to enhance performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual confirmation mechanism with a mechanical/tactile feedback system through the projection field. The projections physically interact with the ball, transmitting tactile and auditory signals to the athlete's foot, substituting the need for visual inspection.
3Ease of operation
If flexible projections are added to the sole structure, then ball engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection field is merged with the sole structure as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This combining of the projection field with the sole structure simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining the flexible projections for improved ball engagement.
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 flexible projections enhance ball control and proprioception, enabling athletes to better interact with the ball without needing visual confirmation, thereby improving performance in sports like soccer.
Implementation Method 1
providing tactile and audio feedback confirming contact with the ball
Implementation Method 2
transmitting 'feel' of the ball through the sole to the wearer's foot
Implementation Method 3
multiple flexible projections at the ground-facing surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Sole structures (104, 404, 904, 954) have a ground-facing surface (210G) and an upper-facing surface (210U). These sole structures (104, 404, 904, 954) comprise a sole member (106, 406, 906, 956) made from one or more parts and including a base surface (106S), a medial side (106M), and a lateral side (106L). The sole member (106, 406, 906, 956) includes a first sole part and a projection field (200) engaged with or integrally formed with the first sole part. The projection field (200) comprises a plurality of projections (202) that extend beyond the base surface (106S) and have exposed free ends (202E). The plurality of projections (202) may include at least 20 projections (202) having a projection packing density of at least 4 projections (202) per square inch (0.62 projections (202) per square centimeter) in the projection field (202). A first subset of the plurality of projections (202) may have a length of at least 5 mm. At least a majority of the plurality of projections (202) in the projection field (200) readily bend under force applied by weight of a user of the sole structure (104, 404, 904, 954). The projection field (200) may be located at least partially in a central space (104S) defined between medial primary traction elements (110M) and lateral side primary traction elements (110L). Bending of the projections (202) under the weight of the user and help provide better "feel" for a ball, e.g., by transmitting force from the ball to the wearer's foot and providing audible feedback when contacting the ball.