Footwear Impact Absorber with Decoupled Upper for Lateral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles fail to adequately absorb lateral impacts, especially on uneven terrain, leading to strain on the foot and ankle due to insufficient deformation and traction.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an asymmetrically attached upper and sole configuration with varying width impact absorbers on the medial and lateral sides, allowing for rotational freedom and improved contact with the ground to absorb lateral forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the midsole is formed from conventional polymer foam material extending throughout the length of the footwear, then the footwear provides basic ground reaction force attenuation, but the footwear fails to adequately absorb lateral impacts especially on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple foam members with different densities and properties. A first foam member with higher density is positioned in the forefoot region, while a second foam member with lower density is positioned in the heel region. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements, with the forefoot providing lateral stability and the heel providing cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole are assigned different material properties and densities tailored to local functional needs. The forefoot region uses denser foam for lateral impact resistance, while the heel region uses softer foam for cushioning. This local differentiation enables the footwear to adapt to various terrain conditions and provide appropriate response in each zone.
2Reliability
If the upper and sole structure operate cooperatively in a conventional integrated manner, then the footwear provides structural stability, but the footwear cannot adequately deform to absorb lateral forces on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear structure transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic system where the upper can rotate relative to the sole about a pivot axis. This dynamic configuration allows the upper to deform and absorb lateral forces during lateral impacts while maintaining structural integrity through the pivot connection, enabling adaptive response to uneven terrain.
3Reliability
If the midsole uses uniform density polymer foam throughout, then the footwear structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the footwear cannot provide differentiated cushioning and lateral support in different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple foam members with different densities. The first foam member in the forefoot region has higher density for lateral support, while the second foam member in the heel region has lower density for cushioning. This segmentation provides region-specific support functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional 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 configuration enhances the footwear's ability to absorb lateral impacts, reducing strain on the foot and ankle by allowing the upper to roll and the impact absorbers to compress, thereby improving comfort and stability on varied terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole... capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole
Implementation Method 2
the impact absorber... allowing the upper to roll and the impact absorbers to compress
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole attached to the upper, and an impact absorber attached to the upper at least along a midfoot region of the upper and capable of absorbing a portion of a lateral impact when the impact absorber is moved into contact with a top surface of the sole. The impact absorber is be integrally formed with the sole and has a width that varies along a length of the impact absorber. The width of the impact absorber decreases in a forefoot region and a heel region. The upper rolls to contact the top surface of the sole upon lateral impact. The sole and the upper may be attached asymmetrically.