Tactile Feedback Shoe Sole with Fluidic Gait Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear technologies do not effectively help users transition from rearfoot to forefoot running techniques or correct overpronation, as they lack feedback mechanisms to discourage rearfoot running and alert users to overpronation without external power sources.

Innovation Solution

A footwear design featuring fluid-filled chambers in the toe and heel sections that provide tactile feedback by adjusting fluid flow between chambers based on foot strike patterns, preventing heel contact with projections during rearfoot running and offering arch support to correct pronation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If footwear provides tactile feedback to discourage rearfoot running, then users can transition to forefoot running technique, but the device requires complex fluid chamber mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gait transitionVSAvoidcomplexity of feedback mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fluid-filled chambers connected by channels to create a passive tactile feedback system. When the heel strikes the ground first (rearfoot running), the fluid cannot flow quickly enough to cushion the heel, creating discomfort. When the forefoot strikes first, fluid flows to cushion the heel upon landing, providing positive reinforcement for the desired gait pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism is entirely passive and self-regulating, requiring no external power source, sensors, or active control systems. The fluid dynamics automatically respond to the user's gait pattern, providing real-time feedback through tactile sensation alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If footwear provides real-time feedback without external power source, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but the feedback mechanism cannot use electronic sensors or actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddifficulty of gait detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensing and actuation systems with a purely mechanical-fluidic system. The fluid chambers and channels act as passive sensors that detect gait pattern through pressure differential, and the fluid flow itself provides the tactile feedback actuation, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or electronic controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate tactile feedback through the heel cushioning effect that directly correlates with gait pattern. The feedback is inherent in the mechanical response of the fluid system to the user's foot strike sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If footwear uses projections in heel chamber to provide feedback, then rearfoot running is discouraged through discomfort, but the projections may cause injury if not properly controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback effectivenessVSAvoidpotential heel injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid in the heel chamber is pre-positioned to provide cushioning before the heel contacts the ground. When the forefoot strikes first, fluid flows ahead of time to cushion the heel upon landing. This preemptive cushioning prevents the projections from causing injury while maintaining their feedback function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the cushioning parameter (fluid volume in heel chamber) based on the gait pattern detected by the fluid flow from the toe chamber. The projections remain static, but their effective interaction with the heel is modulated by the fluid cushioning level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively assists users in adopting desired gait techniques by providing discomfort during rearfoot running and feedback on overpronation, promoting healthier foot strike patterns and reducing injury risks without requiring external power.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid from the first chamber flows to the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

If the first chamber is pressurized first before exerting pressure on the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11547179B2Tactile feedback shoe sole

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 URBAIN ADAM

AI summary

A tactile feedback shoe sole for footwear comprising a main body that defines a toe portion, a middle portion and a heel portion. A first chamber filled with a fluid is disposed in one or more areas of the main body. A second chamber comprising a second chamber upper wall, a second chamber lower wall and projections is disposed in the arch region of the middle portion. Channels disposed between the first and the second chambers help in establishing fluidic communication between the first and second chambers. If the second chamber is compressed before the first chamber getting compressed, which is likely to happen when the feet of the user of the sole overpronate, the second chamber upper wall comes in contact with the second chamber lower wall and the projections are felt by the user in the arch region since the second chamber is not filled with the fluid.