Footwear Sole with Removable Elastic Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic footwear fails to provide dynamic support that adapts to the natural foot anatomy, leading to inadequate cushioning and energy return during various phases of movement, and often requires separate insoles to compensate for individual foot needs.
Innovation Solution
A sole assembly with an elongate body and removable inserts made of elastic material, featuring rigid anchors and a main portion that mimics muscle elasticity, allowing for energy absorption and return while securing within the sole, and optionally mimicking the plantar fascia ligament for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate insoles and orthotic devices are used to provide support, then additional support and cushioning are provided to different parts of the foot, but the devices are formed from a single rigid planar element that cannot move or change shape during use and cannot compensate for changes in foot anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple independent zones with different rigidity characteristics. The proximal and distal end portions are made of rigid material to maintain structural stability, while the main portion is made of elastic material to adapt to foot anatomy changes. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the insole are made from materials with different mechanical properties. The end portions use rigid material (metal or plastic) for structural support, while the main portion uses elastic material (elastomer or rubber) for adaptability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and local adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the midsole is formed of elastic material for absorbing impact, then energy absorption and return are improved, but the support and cushioning cannot be customized to suit individual foot types and needs
Solution Approach 1:
The sole assembly is segmented into the midsole and a removable insole with distinct functional zones. The insole can be independently customized with different rigid/elastic material distributions to match individual foot types, while the midsole provides general cushioning for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to different foot types. The combination of rigid and elastic portions creates a dynamically responsive structure that can be customized for individual users while maintaining a relatively simple overall sole assembly structure.
3Strength
If a rigid planar element is used for orthotic support, then structural stability is provided, but the device cannot absorb and return energy during movement phases
Solution Approach 1:
The insole uses local quality differentiation where rigid material provides structural support at the end portions while elastic material in the main portion provides energy absorption and return. This localized material assignment allows both strength and energy management functions within the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid material (metal or plastic) and elastic material (elastomer or rubber) in a single integrated element. This composite approach enables the simultaneous achievement of structural stability and energy absorption/return capabilities.
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 dynamic support that adapts to the foot's anatomy, enhancing comfort and energy return during movement by absorbing and releasing energy, reducing stress on foot structures like the plantar fascia, and offering customizable options for different foot types.
Implementation Method 1
The main portion may be fabricated from an elastic material. The elastic material of the main portion may be an elastomer or rubber
Implementation Method 2
The proximal and distal end portions may be fabricated from a rigid material, and the main portion may be fabricated from an elastic material. The rigid material may be a metal or a plastic
Data Source
AI summary
A sole for footwear includes an elongate body and a plurality of discrete, flexible and inserts configured to be secured to the elongate body. The insert has an elongate main portion fabricated from an elastic material and having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first anchor attached to the first end portion of the elongate main portion and configured to detachably engage a sole and a second anchor attached to the second end portion of the elongate main portion and configured to detachably engage a sole. The anchors can be secured in notches in a cavity of the sole to securely attach the insert to the sole.