Footwear Sole Structure With Split Midsoles for Cushioning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear often lacks improved comfort and fit, along with enhanced cushioning and structural characteristics in the sole structure.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure comprises a top midsole, sole plate, front midsole, rear midsole, and outsole, with specific configurations and materials to enhance stability, cushioning, and durability, including features like ribs, apertures, and multiple outsole sections for improved flexibility and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-piece sole structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but cushioning performance and structural support are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional components: a top midsole directly coupled to the upper, a sole plate coupled to the top midsole, a front midsole coupled to both the top midsole and sole plate, and a rear midsole coupled to the top midsole and sole plate. This segmentation allows each component to provide specific functions (cushioning, stability, support) while collectively delivering superior overall performance that a single-piece sole cannot achieve.
2Ease of operation
If multiple sole components are added to improve cushioning, then comfort is enhanced, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple sole components are directly coupled together to form an integrated assembly: the top midsole is directly coupled to the upper, the sole plate is directly coupled to the top midsole, the front midsole is directly coupled to both the top midsole and sole plate, and the rear midsole is directly coupled to the top midsole and sole plate. This direct coupling creates a unified structure that maintains structural stability while providing enhanced comfort through multiple cushioning layers.
3Strength
If the front midsole and rear midsole are positioned closer together, then structural support is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front midsole is spaced laterally forward from the rear midsole, creating a void between them. This spatial arrangement provides structural support where needed while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in the midfoot region. The void allows the sole structure to flex and adapt to different foot shapes and movement patterns, while the front and rear midsoles provide localized support at their respective positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear having a sole structure (64) and an upper, the sole structure (64) comprising a widest section, a narrowest section, a toe end (130), a heel end (128), a lateral side (98), a medial side (96), a top midsole (70) directly coupled to the upper, a sole plate (72) directly coupled to the top midsole (70), a front midsole (74) directly coupled to the top midsole (70) and the sole plate (72) between the toe end (130) of the sole structure (64) and the widest section of the sole structure (64), a rear midsole (76) directly coupled to the top midsole (70) and the sole plate (72) between the heel end (128) of the sole structure (64) and the narrowest section of the sole structure (64), and an outsole (78) directly coupled to the front midsole (74) and the rear midsole (76). The front midsole (74) is spaced forward from the rear midsole (76) creating a void (600), and an underside (602) of the sole plate (72) is exposed in the void (600).