Footwear Support Assembly with Apertures for Impact Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles face a tradeoff between impact force attenuation and stability, with soft materials providing protection but increasing ankle instability and contributing to injuries like 'runner's knee' and ankle sprains, especially during high-action sports.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a support assembly with a primary and secondary member configuration, featuring apertures and connecting members that allow for improved shock-attenuation and energy-absorption, providing dynamic control and stability while maintaining impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If soft foam materials are used in the midsole to attenuate impact forces, then impact force attenuation is improved, but ankle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple discrete members (first member, second member, third member) with specific geometric configurations rather than using a single continuous foam layer. This segmentation allows each member to independently contribute to both impact attenuation and stability functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining multiple members made from materials with specific durometer ranges (e.g., 20A-40A for the first member, 30A-50A for the second member). This composite approach enables the assembly to simultaneously provide softness for impact attenuation and structural integrity for stability.
2Force
If midsole thickness is increased to improve impact protection, then impact force attenuation is improved, but dynamic control and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates members with curved surfaces and specific geometric features that allow dynamic adaptation to various foot movements and loads. The members can deform and return to their original shape, providing consistent performance across different athletic activities while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support assembly have different material properties and geometric characteristics optimized for specific functions. For example, certain areas have higher durometer values for stability while other areas have lower values for impact attenuation, allowing localized optimization without compromising overall performance.
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
This configuration enhances impact force attenuation and stability, reducing the risk of injuries by allowing for better dynamic control and energy absorption during various athletic movements.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole, which is conventionally secured to the upper along the length of the upper, forms a middle layer of the sole structure and is primarily responsible for attenuating ground (or other contact surface) reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg
Implementation Method 2
Conventional midsoles may include a foam material to attenuate impact forces and absorb energy when the footwear contacts the ground during athletic activities
Implementation Method 3
Conventional midsoles may include a foam material to attenuate impact forces and absorb energy when the footwear contacts the ground during athletic activities
Implementation Method 4
foam materials that are relatively soft may also impart instability that increases in proportion to midsole thickness
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, a support assembly beneath the midsole, and an outsole. The support assembly includes a primary member and a secondary member engaged with the primary member. A portion of the secondary member extends through an aperture in the primary member. An opening in the primary member exposes the aperture to an exterior of the primary member.