Segmented Footwear Midsole Plate for Flexibility and Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running shoes face a trade-off between cushioning and flexibility, where increased cushioning for comfort often results in reduced flexibility and performance, and minimal cushioning for flexibility may lead to user discomfort and injury.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a multi-layered midsole with a compressible upper and lower midsole member, a flexible midsole plate, and an outsole structure, featuring independent pods with flexure grooves that allow for specific bending locations, enhancing both cushioning and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sole structure includes significant cushioning, then user comfort is improved, but shoe weight increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple independent cushioning members (first cushion member, second cushion member, third cushion member) arranged in layers. Each member can be optimized independently for weight and comfort, allowing the system to achieve adequate cushioning without excessive overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cushioning members are positioned at specific locations within the midsole structure to provide localized cushioning where needed. The first cushion member is positioned to provide cushioning at a first location, the second cushion member at a second location, and the third cushion member at a third location, allowing weight to be distributed efficiently while maintaining comfort.
2Reliability
If the sole structure includes significant cushioning, then user comfort is improved, but flexibility of the sole structure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple independent cushioning members that can flex independently. This segmentation allows the sole structure to maintain flexibility while providing comprehensive cushioning coverage, as each member can deform independently during foot movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning members are designed to be compressible and capable of dynamic deformation during the gait cycle. The members can compress under load and rebound, providing active cushioning that adapts to movement while maintaining sole flexibility for natural foot motion.
3Weight of moving object
If minimal cushioning is used to reduce weight, then flexibility is improved, but user comfort is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single heavy cushioning layer, the patent uses multiple segmented cushioning members that can be optimized for minimal weight while collectively providing adequate cushioning. Each member can be made from lightweight compressible materials, and their distributed arrangement ensures comfort is maintained throughout the sole structure.
4Ease of operation
If minimal cushioning is used to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but user injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple cushioning members are strategically positioned to provide protection against injuries while maintaining flexibility. The distributed arrangement ensures that impact forces are absorbed at multiple locations, reducing the risk of injury even with minimal overall cushioning material.
Solution Approach 2:
Cushioning members are placed at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur during running. This localized cushioning provides injury prevention where needed most while keeping the overall sole structure lightweight and flexible.
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 provides adequate cushioning and comfort while maintaining flexibility, facilitating a natural gait cycle and effortless heel-to-toe transition during running, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing user performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first cushion member comprising a first compressible material, a second cushion member comprising a second compressible material
Implementation Method 2
a plate disposed between the first and second cushion members, where the plate is configured to bend at one or more specific locations along a length of the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole structure including a plurality of members arranged in layers within the midsole structure and an outsole structure. The plurality of members includes a first cushion member including a first compressible material, a second cushion member including a second compressible material that connects with the outsole structure, and a plate disposed between the first and second cushion members, where the plate is configured to bend at one or more specific locations along a length of the plate. The outsole structure includes an upper rubber layer, a lower rubber layer, and a textile layer disposed between the upper and lower rubber layers.