Footbed Torque Stability via Layered Composite Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footbeds lack advanced torque stability, cushioning, shock attenuation, and cooling properties, which are essential for comfortable and supportive footwear.
Innovation Solution
A footbed composed of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, and thermoplastic gel rubber, with specific layer thicknesses and hardnesses, providing cushioning, shock absorption, and improved airflow, along with polyester for torsional stability and polyurethane for comfort and air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a footbed is designed with advanced torque stability, then the footbed provides better support and comfort, but the device complexity increases due to multiple materials and layers
Solution Approach 1:
The footbed is divided into multiple functional layers including an upper region with cotton fabric and polyurethane, a midsole region with ethyl vinyl acetate and polyester, and a sole region with thermoplastic gel rubber. Each layer provides specific functions such as cushioning, shock attenuation, and torque stability, allowing the complex stability requirements to be met through segmented functional zones rather than a single homogeneous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The footbed utilizes composite materials combining cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester, and thermoplastic gel rubber. Each material contributes specific properties: cotton for breathability, polyurethane for cushioning, ethyl vinyl acetate for shock absorption, polyester for structural support, and thermoplastic gel rubber for torque stability. The composite structure achieves advanced torque stability by synergistically combining these materials with different mechanical and physical properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a footbed provides cushioning and shock attenuation, then comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple materials and layers
Solution Approach 1:
The footbed incorporates cushioning materials such as ethyl vinyl acetate and thermoplastic gel rubber in the midsole and sole regions, positioned beforehand to absorb and attenuate shock before it reaches the foot. These materials are strategically placed in high-impact areas to provide preemptive cushioning during gait cycles, reducing the transmission of harmful forces to the foot and lower extremities.
3Reliability
If a footbed integrates multiple materials for enhanced properties, then performance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The footbed is constructed as separate modular layers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each material layer to be produced with optimized processes for that specific material, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating a single integrated component. The layers are joined through standard bonding techniques that accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances.
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 footbed offers enhanced torque stability, cushioning, shock attenuation, and cooling, ensuring a comfortable and supportive shoe experience by integrating multiple materials with tailored properties.
Implementation Method 1
ethyl vinyl acetate provides cushion while walking
Implementation Method 2
Ethyl vinyl acetate layer...provides cushion while walking
Implementation Method 3
pad of thermoplastic rubber gel...providing cushion, shock attenuation and rebound
Implementation Method 4
polyester for torsional stability
Implementation Method 5
polyurethane for comfort and air circulation
Implementation Method 6
Punched perfs 104 are located on the shank region of footbed 100 and circulate airflow to cool the foot
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a footbed made of cotton fabric, polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, polyester and thermoplastic gel rubber. The invention also provides footwear which includes a footbed as described herein.