Footwear Traction Sole Assembly with Segmented Lugs
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sole assemblies in footwear are heavy, rigid, and lack flexibility and proprioceptive feedback, impairing traction and cushioning on varied terrain, which can lead to reduced performance and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A sole assembly with a convoluted lower surface featuring multiple rolling peaks and valleys, combined with midsoles of different durometers and apertures, to enhance dynamic stability, traction, and cushioning, allowing for better conformity to three-dimensional terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rubber sheet spans between individual lugs to protect the midsole, then midsole protection is improved, but footwear weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is segmented into discrete lugs that are not connected by a continuous rubber sheet. Each lug is independently formed and positioned to contact the ground, eliminating the need for a spanning sheet material while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous rubber sheet material is extracted/removed from the design, leaving only the essential lug elements that provide both protection and traction. This reduces material usage and weight while preserving the protective function against midsole damage.
2Strength
If a rubber sheet spans between individual lugs, then midsole protection is improved, but outsole flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into separate, discrete lugs without connecting material. This segmentation allows each lug to move and deform independently, enabling the outsole to flex and adapt to varying terrain contours while still protecting the midsole through the lug structures.
3Strength
If a rubber sheet spans between individual lugs, then midsole protection is improved, but traction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole consists of discrete, separated lugs that can independently engage with terrain features. This segmentation allows each lug to react separately to the ground surface, improving grip and traction by preventing the rigidity that would result from a continuous sheet connecting all lugs.
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 solution provides exceptional traction and cushioning on uneven surfaces, allowing the sole assembly to dynamically react to terrain, reducing weight and improving overall performance and balance.
Implementation Method 1
a first midsole constructed from a first material having a first durometer, and a second midsole constructed from a second material having a second durometer, the second durometer being less than the first durometer
Implementation Method 2
The softer second midsole can be located under the first midsole, and can cooperate with an outsole layer to provide enhanced macro traction over larger three dimensional underfoot objects and terrain features
Implementation Method 3
The second midsole can include apertures that extend into some peaks so those peaks are compressible and conform well to underfoot terrain
Implementation Method 4
A sole assembly having a convoluted lower surface with multiple rolling peaks and valleys, and can include one or more midsoles having different durometers, to provide dynamic stability, enhanced cushioning and/or traction over three dimensional terrain
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear construction includes a sole assembly having a convoluted lower surface with multiple rolling peaks and valleys, and first and second midsoles having different durometers to provide dynamic stability, cushion and/or traction. The second midsole can include apertures that extend into some peaks so those peaks are compressible and conform well to underfoot terrain. The sole assembly can include certain lateral or medial peaks that transition to a perimeter of the sole assembly, and that are of a truncated shape with a sidewall to provide firmness and/or rigidity to the sole assembly around the perimeter. Other peaks can be disposed inward from the lateral or medial peaks and can be of a lesser firmness so those central peaks can provide cushioning and/or macro traction capabilities. A related method of manufacture also is provided.