Footwear Sole Sensory Node Elements for Ground Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear sole structures often provide excessive cushioning that reduces sensory feedback from the ground, impairing the wearer's ability to accurately position their feet during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensory node elements along the perimeter edges of the sole structure, which are made of materials like resilient polymer foams or less dense rubber, to provide tactile feedback and improve foot positioning and interaction with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If cushioning is increased in the sole structure, then ground reaction force attenuation is improved, but sensory feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into different functional zones: a first portion with higher density for ground reaction force attenuation and a second portion with lower density for sensory feedback. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sole structure are assigned different material densities tailored to their specific functions. The first portion (heel/midfoot) uses higher density material for cushioning, while the second portion (forefoot/perimeter) uses lower density material for sensory feedback, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform density material is used throughout the sole, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functional performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure incorporates local quality variations by using different density materials in different portions. The first portion uses higher density material for cushioning while the second portion uses lower density material for sensory feedback, optimizing functional performance in each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure is constructed as a composite of two different foam materials with different densities. This composite approach allows the heel/midfoot area to benefit from higher density cushioning while the forefoot area benefits from lower density sensory feedback properties.
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
Enhances sensory awareness of the foot's position and surface conditions, aiding in balance and athletic maneuvers by offering precise feedback on foot placement and grip, thus improving performance in various athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
sensory node elements located along perimeter edges of the sole structure... provide tactile feedback
Data Source
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AI summary
An article (100) of footwear (100) including a sole structure (110) attached to an upper (120, 122) defining an internal void configured to receive a foot (800) of a wearer is described. The sole structure (110) includes a sole body portion (112) having a plurality of sensory node elements (114) located in apertures (600) in the sole body portion (112). The sensory node elements (114) have a bottom surface (115) configured to contact the ground and move vertically within the apertures (600). The movement of sensory node element (114, 214) pushes a top surface (116) of the sensory node element (114, 214) attached to a portion of the upper (120, 122) against the foot (800) of the wearer. The sensory node element (114, 214) provides sensory feedback to the foot (800) of the wearer about the condition of the ground. The sensory node elements (114) are arranged along perimeter edges of the sole structure (110) to provide sensory feedback along the peripheral boundaries of the foot (800) of the wearer.