Footwear Reinforcement Structure Balancing Flexibility and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear designs struggle to balance rigidity and flexibility, leading to inadequate support or elasticity, and often suffer from stress concentration and interfacial delamination issues due to improper material interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced structure for footwear featuring rods with varying curvatures and a reinforcing structure that distributes pressure, formed by interlaced fiber bundles and thermoplastic resin, providing a mesh-like structure with interconnected elastic units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foamed materials (EVA, PU) are used to enhance elasticity, then flexibility is improved, but support strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines foamed materials (EVA or PU) with reinforcing materials (carbon fibers or glass fibers) to create a composite structure. The foamed material provides flexibility and cushioning, while the fiber reinforcement adds support strength and structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between elasticity and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized structural features such as bumpy patterns, holes, air bags, pads, or support columns within the homogeneous foamed material. These local modifications create regions of enhanced support strength without compromising the overall flexibility of the footwear sole.
2Strength
If composite materials (carbon fibers, glass fibers) are introduced to increase strength, then support strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where rigid fiber reinforcements (carbon or glass fibers) are embedded within a flexible foamed matrix (EVA or PU). This composite structure allows the fibers to provide support strength while the foam matrix maintains flexibility, enabling both properties to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of the composite material by adjusting fiber orientation, density, length, and distribution within the foamed matrix. These parameter changes optimize the balance between support strength and flexibility for different footwear applications.
3Reliability
If reinforcing materials are added to enhance support, then durability is improved, but stress concentration and interfacial delamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a well-integrated composite material system where reinforcing fibers are properly embedded and bonded within the foamed matrix. This proper composite structure distributes stress uniformly and prevents interfacial delamination, enhancing durability without creating stress concentration points.
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 structure enhances stability and adaptability by reducing deformation, distributing pressure evenly, and allowing multidirectional resilience, while maintaining a lightweight design and customizable support.
Implementation Method 1
when the rod receives a pressure from the horizontal plane, the bending amplitude of the rod is reduced and the rod deforms in a longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforced structure for footwear includes a rod and a reinforcing structure. At least a portion of the rod protrudes toward or away from a horizontal plane in a curved manner. When the rod is subjected to a pressure from the horizontal plane, the curvature of the rod decreases, and the rod deforms in an elongating manner along a longitudinal direction. The reinforcing structure is joined to at least a portion of the rod via a connecting part, thereby providing the reinforced structure for footwear with high stability and enhanced adaptability through a balanced combination of rigidity and flexibility.