Footwear Ball Control Protrusions for Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear technologies fail to provide optimal ball control and grip during kicks, as they lack a design that effectively adapts to the shape and curvature of a ball, leading to reduced traction and control.
Innovation Solution
The article of footwear features a ball control portion with protrusions that have a major axis longer than the minor axis, allowing them to bend and conform to the ball's surface, along with a base portion with hexagonal hub portions and gaps, and a plurality of protrusions oriented in an arc-like configuration to increase contact area and grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid protrusions are used on the ball control portion, then structural stability is maintained, but grip and contact with the ball surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt their shape during ball contact. The protrusions can bend and deform to conform to the ball's surface curvature, maximizing contact area and grip while maintaining structural integrity through their elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the protrusions are specifically selected to provide optimal flexibility and elasticity. By changing the physical parameters of the protrusion material (such as durometer hardness and elastic modulus), the design achieves a balance between structural stability and the ability to deform for enhanced ball contact
2Strength
If the ball control portion uses a solid base portion design, then structural strength is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion is segmented into multiple hub portions that are interconnected by connecting members, creating a lattice-like structure. This segmentation reduces material usage and overall weight while maintaining structural strength through the distributed framework of hubs and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion employs a porous or honeycomb-like structure with gaps between hub portions, reducing density and weight while preserving mechanical strength. The strategic placement of gaps creates a lightweight yet robust foundation for the protrusions
3Ease of manufacture
If protrusions are arranged in straight lines, then manufacturing is simplified, but contact area with the curved ball surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are arranged in arc-like configurations that follow the curvature of the ball surface rather than straight lines. This curved arrangement increases the contact area between the protrusions and the ball during kick contact, while the arcs are designed to be manufacturable using standard molding techniques
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
This design enhances grip and control by increasing the surface area of contact with the ball, allowing for better traction and spin application during kicks, while also being lightweight due to the strategic placement of gaps in the base portion.
Implementation Method 1
a ball control portion, which ball control portion comprises a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.