Footwear Sole Stiffness Control via Movable Bridge Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sole structures in athletic footwear lack an effective mechanism to adjust bending stiffness dynamically in response to varying flexion angles, which can impact cushioning, motion control, and resilience.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with a stiffness controlling device that is moveable within slots on the sole plate, allowing it to change positions between a first and second position, thereby altering the bending stiffness at specific flex angles, and optionally incorporating an inflatable structure to further adjust stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed stiffness sole structure is used, then manufacturing is simple and structure is straightforward, but the sole cannot dynamically adjust bending stiffness in response to varying flexion angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the stiffness controlling device movable within slots on the sole plate, allowing it to change positions between a first position (adjacent axial end) and a second position (approximate midsection). This enables the sole structure to dynamically adjust bending stiffness at specific flex angles, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one that responds to varying flexion conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the sole plate into distinct regions using multiple slots that extend along the longitudinal axis. These slots create separate lateral bridge portions, medial bridge portions, and interior bridge portions, allowing independent control of stiffness in different zones. The stiffness controlling device can be positioned in different slots to segment the stiffness control function across various regions of the sole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable stiffness mechanism is added, then bending stiffness can be customized for different activities, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Nested doll principle by placing the stiffness controlling device within slots that are embedded in the sole plate structure. The device is nested between the bridge portions, allowing it to be integrated into the existing sole architecture without requiring complete structural redesign. This nesting approach enables adjustable stiffness functionality while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If the stiffness controlling device is positioned at the midsection, then bending stiffness increases for better motion control, but cushioning may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by enabling the stiffness controlling device to move between positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of bending stiffness. When positioned at the midsection, the device increases bending stiffness for enhanced motion control; when positioned adjacent the axial end, it reduces stiffness to improve cushioning. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize both motion control and cushioning based on activity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole plate includes slots spaced apart from each other and extending along a longitudinal axis to define at least one interior bridge portion disposed therebetween. A lateral bridge portion is disposed between a lateral side of the sole plate and a lateral most one of the slots, and a medial bridge portion is disposed between a medial side of the sole plate and a medial most one of the slots. A stiffness controlling device is interlaced between the lateral bridge portion, the interior bridge portions, and the medial bridge portion, and is moveable within the slots, between a first position and a second position, for changing between a first bending stiffness at a specific flex angle when the stiffness controlling device is in the first position, and a second bending stiffness at the specific flex angle when the stiffness controlling device is in the second position.