Free-Floating Support Structure in Golf Shoes for Sole Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoes with integrated functional structures in the sole assembly often become overly stiff and inflexible, diminishing the performance benefits they were designed to provide.
Innovation Solution
The golf shoes incorporate a free-floating support structure that can move relative to other components, maintaining flexibility while providing support and stability, using fasteners and channels to allow for movement within the sole assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a functional structure (plate or insert) is integrated into the sole assembly to provide control, support, and stability, then performance benefits are enhanced, but the sole assembly becomes overly stiff and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other and to the sole assembly. The structure includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion that can shift positions, allowing the structure to maintain support functions while adapting to the natural flexing of the shoe during golf movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static integrated component to a dynamic system that can change its position and configuration. The structure is designed to shift between different positions (first, second, and third positions) based on the movement of the sole assembly, enabling it to provide support while allowing flexibility during golf-related actions.
2Strength
If lamination, over injection, or adhesives are used to join components, then structural integrity is improved, but the sole assembly becomes overly stiff and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is extracted from the traditional integrated sole assembly design and positioned as a separate, movable component. Instead of being permanently bonded through lamination or injection, the structure can shift relative to the sole assembly, maintaining structural integrity where needed while preserving overall shoe flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and adjust its position relative to the sole assembly. This dynamic positioning enables the structure to provide structural support during weight-bearing activities while allowing the shoe to flex naturally during golf movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf shoe comprising an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper, a footbed disposed within the upper, wherein the footbed is configured to support a subject's foot when the subject is wearing the golf shoe; an insole component provided below the footbed; and a support structure fixed to the insole component, wherein the support structure comprises a free floating insert configured to move or slide along or through the sole assembly as the subject executes a golf-related action or movement.