Footwear Sole Structure with Segmented Sipes for Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sole structures in footwear lack optimal flexibility and traction distribution, particularly in regions like the forefoot, midfoot, and heel, which can lead to inadequate performance during various activities such as running or cutting motions.

Innovation Solution

The sole structure incorporates a specific arrangement of sipes, including first, second, and third pluralities of sipes with varying slopes and orientations, forming sole elements with recessed and raised portions, which enhance flexibility and traction by allowing the sole to bend, twist, and provide increased ground contact during movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sole structure uses a uniform design without sipes, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and traction are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and tractionVSAvoidsole structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure is segmented into multiple sipes (first plurality, second plurality, and third plurality) with different orientations and slopes. These sipes divide the sole into distinct regions (forefoot, midfoot, heel) with customized flexibility characteristics, resolving the contradiction by creating a complex functional structure from simple linear elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sole structure lacks regional differentiation, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the performance during various activities (running, cutting) is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance during activitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the sole (forefoot, midfoot, heel) are assigned different sipe configurations and densities tailored to their specific functional requirements. The forefoot region has sipes optimized for flexion, the midfoot for stability, and the heel for impact absorption, allowing each region to perform optimally during various activities while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the sole structure does not have sipes with varying slopes, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide natural foot motion and absorb ground reaction forces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to absorb ground reaction forcesVSAvoidsipe configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sipes are designed with asymmetric slopes and orientations rather than uniform symmetric patterns. The first plurality of sipes has a different slope configuration than the second and third pluralities, allowing the sole to asymmetrically respond to ground reaction forces during different phases of movement, thereby improving reliability in absorbing forces while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3334305B1Sole structure including sipes

Publication Date: 2020.06.24 NIKE INNOVATE CV

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AI summary

An article of footwear may include a sole structure with a plurality of sipes. The plurality of sipes may extend from the forefoot region to the heel region. Additionally, the plurality of sipes may extend across the sole structure from a medial edge toward the lateral side and from a lateral edge toward the medial side. Further, the sole structure may include longitudinal sipes that extend longitudinally along the sole structure.