Footwear Upper Tile Support That Switches Between Flex and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic shoes lack dynamic support and stability adjustments in response to varying athletic or recreational activities, leading to inadequate protection and comfort during different types of movements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamic support system in footwear, which includes sensors, microprocessors, and reversible motors that control arrays of tiles embedded in the upper, allowing for real-time adjustments in flexibility, support, and impact resistance based on input from sensors, either within the footwear or worn by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the upper is made rigid to provide protection and support, then stability and support are improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper incorporates a dynamic support system with arrays of tiles that can change their configuration from compressed (rigid) to uncompressed (flexible) states. The microprocessor controls motors to adjust the compression level of tile arrays in real-time based on sensor input, allowing the upper to dynamically transition between rigid and flexible states to match the wearer's activity level and provide appropriate support while maintaining comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper is made flexible to maintain comfort, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but support and protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic support system allows the upper to transition from a flexible uncompressed state during low-stress activities to a rigid compressed state during high-stress activities. The microprocessor receives sensor data and automatically adjusts tile array compression to provide maximum support when needed while maintaining flexibility during normal activities, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tile arrays are compressed to provide support, then stability and protection are improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the wearer's activity level and provide feedback to the microprocessor. Based on this feedback, the microprocessor automatically adjusts the compression of tile arrays to provide appropriate support while maintaining flexibility. This closed-loop control ensures that the upper only becomes rigid when actually needed, minimizing the impact on comfort and flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If the tile arrays are uncompressed to maintain flexibility, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but support and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic support system proactively adjusts tile array compression based on predicted activity levels from sensor data. The microprocessor can pre-compress tile arrays in anticipation of high-stress movements detected by sensors, ensuring support is available before it is needed. This preliminary action allows the upper to maintain flexibility during low-stress periods while being prepared to provide support when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear with a dynamic support system that controls arrays of tiles in the upper of the footwear to adjust the level of support provided in different regions of the upper. Sensors in the sole of the footwear, in the upper of the footwear and/or in an article worn by the wearer of the footwear measure the level of stress or other characteristics and provide input to one or more microprocessors that control motors located in the sole or in the upper of the footwear. When the motors are activated, they may compress or loosen arrays of tiles to adjust the stiffness of the upper in one or more regions of the upper.