Golf Shoe Free-Floating Support Structure for Flexible Stability

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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 shoe design incorporates a free-floating support structure that can move relative to other components, maintaining flexibility while providing support and stability, using fasteners to secure the heel portion and allowing the remaining portion to move within channels or grooves in the midsole, footbed, or insole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a support structure is integrated into the sole assembly using lamination, over injection, or adhesives, then control and stability are improved, but the sole assembly becomes overly stiff and inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into a first portion integrated with the midsole and a second portion integrated with the insole component, allowing each segment to provide support while maintaining flexibility through separate integration points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A channel is provided in the midsole that allows the second portion of the support structure to move freely, acting as an intermediary space that decouples the support structure from rigid integration while maintaining its functional benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a support structure is fixed rigidly to the sole assembly, then stability is improved, but the shoe loses flexibility and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second portion of the support structure is configured to move freely within the channel in the midsole, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic arrangement that adapts to foot movement while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support structure have different degrees of freedom: the first portion is integrated with the midsole for stability, while the second portion moves with the insole component for flexibility, creating local optimization of both stability and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250302143A1Golf shoe with support structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

A golf shoe with an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly includes a midsole and an outsole. The golf shoe may comprise a footbed disposed within an interior region of the upper; an insole component provided below the footbed; and a support structure that is fixed to at least one of the midsole, the footbed, or the insole component. The support structure may comprise a free-floating component configured to move relative to the sole assembly as the subject executes a golf-related action or movement.