Footwear Outsole Tread Elements with Variable Width for Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear soles lack optimal durability and abrasion resistance, particularly in areas subjected to high wear, as they are designed with uniform tread elements that do not account for varying wear patterns.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure features tread elements with varying widths and heights corresponding to specific wear regions, with nonlinear configurations and herringbone patterns, and a midsole assembly with alternating ridges and grooves for enhanced durability and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform tread elements are used across the outsole, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but durability and abrasion resistance are insufficient in high-wear areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the width of tread elements according to the wear pattern of different foot regions. Specifically, the tread element width is increased in the heel region and forefoot region where wear is highest, while maintaining narrower widths in lower-wear areas. This localized adaptation of tread element dimensions directly addresses the contradiction by improving durability where needed without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire outsole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of tread element width based on wear characteristics of different foot zones. The width parameter is specifically adjusted to be greater in the heel and forefoot regions compared to other regions. This parameter change strategy resolves the technical contradiction by optimizing durability through targeted dimensional modifications rather than uniform design.
2Reliability
If tread element width is increased in high-wear areas, then abrasion resistance improves, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating additional material specifically in the heel and forefoot regions where wear is most severe, rather than uniformly increasing material throughout the outsole. This localized approach to material distribution improves abrasion resistance in critical areas while minimizing overall material quantity compared to a uniform thickening design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the outsole into different functional zones with distinct tread element width characteristics. By dividing the outsole into high-wear regions (heel, forefoot) and lower-wear regions, and applying different width parameters to each segment, the design optimizes abrasion resistance where needed without unnecessarily increasing material quantity across the entire outsole.
3Reliability
If varying tread element widths are implemented, then durability in high-wear areas improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by establishing specific width ratios between different tread element regions. The tread element width in the heel and forefoot regions is defined as greater than in other regions, with the difference being substantial enough to improve durability but not so extreme as to create unmanageable manufacturing complexity. This controlled parameter variation balances durability improvement with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has a body with a lateral side and a medial side, and has a plurality of tread elements extending from the body to establish a ground contact surface. At least two of the tread elements extend between the lateral side and the medial side and each include a front face, a rear face, and a bottom face that connects the front face and the rear face. The bottom face of each of the at least two of the tread elements has a width between the front face and the rear face that varies between the lateral side and the medial side forming different shapes of the tread elements.