Footwear Sole Structure with Segmented Support Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear traction systems lack optimal configurations for providing both stability and traction on various surfaces and conditions, particularly in athletic activities where different demands on the sole structure are required for different types of athletes and terrains.
Innovation Solution
The design of a sole structure for footwear that includes a baseplate with ground engaging members and elongate support members extending from the baseplate, featuring varied shapes, orientations, and spacings to enhance traction and stability, with specific configurations tailored for different athletic activities and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground engaging members are added to provide traction, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into distinct functional components: ground engaging members (cleats) for traction, elongate support members for structural reinforcement, and textured surfaces for additional grip. Each component is independently optimized and positioned to fulfill specific functions, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, purpose-driven segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole component have different properties: ground engaging members are concentrated in high-traction需要的 areas, support members are positioned where structural reinforcement is needed, and textured surfaces are applied in specific zones. This local differentiation allows the sole to provide enhanced traction where needed without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If support members are added to provide stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate support members are asymmetrically positioned and oriented relative to the ground engaging members, with specific members extending from specific sides and at specific angles. This asymmetric arrangement provides targeted stability in directions where it is most needed for athletic performance, rather than uniformly distributing support throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members extend in multiple dimensions and orientations around the ground engaging members, creating a three-dimensional support network. This multi-dimensional arrangement provides stability from multiple angles and directions, enhancing overall structural stability without requiring a proportional increase in the number of components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If varied shapes and orientations are used for ground engaging members, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground engaging members and support members feature varied parameters including different lengths, widths, orientations, and spacing distances. These parameter variations are systematically designed to adapt to different surface conditions and athletic activities, allowing the same sole structure to perform optimally across multiple terrains and运动 types.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole component design incorporates multiple ground engaging members with different shapes and orientations, along with support members, to create a universal traction system that can effectively engage with various surface types (grass, dirt, track, etc.). This multi-functional configuration allows a single footwear design to serve multiple athletic purposes without requiring precise customization for each surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear including a sole component including a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The ground engaging member may include a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, the lower portion being made of a different material than the upper portion. The distance that the elongate support member extends downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate is less than the distance that the ground engaging member extends downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate.