Footwear Sole System with Sensory Node Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current articles of footwear lack effective means to enhance sensory perception for the user, particularly in providing tactile feedback during various activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sensory node elements within the sole system, which include a carrier member with recesses and adjustable side portions, allowing the sensory node elements to tilt and move, providing increased tactile feedback by displacing into the interior cavity upon ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensory feedback members are incorporated into the sole structure, then sensory perception is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple functional layers (outsole, midsole, insole) with sensory node elements distributed at specific locations. Each sensory node element is a discrete component that can be independently positioned within recesses in the insole, allowing the system to provide sensory feedback without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensory node elements are placed at specific local positions within the insole where they can contact the ground through apertures. The recesses are strategically located to allow ground contact at key sensory points on the foot, providing localized sensory enhancement rather than requiring complex system-wide modifications.
2Reliability
If sensory node elements are allowed to tilt and move for increased tactile feedback, then sensory perception is improved, but stability of the sole structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensory node elements are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - they can tilt and move within their recesses in the insole. This dynamic capability allows the elements to adapt to various ground surfaces and provide enhanced tactile feedback while the recesses and surrounding structure provide controlled boundaries for this movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensory node elements are nested within recesses in the insole structure. The recesses provide a defined space that allows the sensory elements to move and tilt while being contained and supported by the insole, maintaining overall structural stability while enabling local dynamic response.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article (100) of footwear (100) includes a sole system with a carrier member (1001, 1102, 1304, 1512, 1600, 1650, 200, 290, 901) and a plurality of sensory node elements (1008, 1104, 1119, 1302, 1330, 1332, 1334, 1612, 1660, 240, 710, 720, 908). The sensory node elements (1008, 1104, 1119, 1302, 1330, 1332, 1334, 1612, 1660, 240, 710, 720, 908) are received in recesses (1614, 1656, 210, 295) of the carrier member (1001, 1102, 1304, 1512, 1600, 1650, 200, 290, 901) and can protrude through to the upper (1000, 102, 502, 900) and/or an insole. The sensory node elements (1008, 1104, 1119, 1302, 1330, 1332, 1334, 1612, 1660, 240, 710, 720, 908) push against the foot (820) to increase sensory perception of the surface underlying the sole system.