Golf Shoe Rigid Heel Design for Club Arc Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf shoes do not effectively enhance a golfer's height or club head speed, limiting the distance a golf ball can be hit.
Innovation Solution
A golf shoe design featuring a non-deformable heel of at least 2 inches in height, combined with a toe height that is less than the heel to maintain a gradual slope, and spikes on the sole for traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft heel material is used to add comfort, then comfort is improved, but the actual height added to the golfer is reduced to an inch or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of heel material from soft/deformable to rigid/non-deformable. This parameter change allows the heel to maintain its full height (at least 2 inches) without deformation, thereby increasing the actual height added to the golfer while still providing comfort through the rigid structure's support and stability.
2Length of moving object
If heel height is increased to at least 2 inches, then golfer height and club arc are improved, but shoe complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shoe into distinct functional parts: a rigid heel portion (at least 2 inches high), a toe portion (at least 1 inch high), and a sole connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the rigid heel for height and arc, the toe for gradual slope and comfort, and the sole for structural integration - thereby managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by creating a graduated slope from the higher heel to the lower toe. The heel is at least 2 inches high while the toe is at least 1 inch high but less than the heel height. This asymmetric design provides both the height benefit for club arc and a natural, comfortable slope that mimics the golfer's stance and weight distribution.
3Length of moving object
If a rigid heel is used to maintain height, then golfer height and club arc are improved, but comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the shoe have different properties. The heel is rigid to maintain height and improve club arc, while the toe is designed with a gradual slope to provide comfort and natural transition. This localized differentiation allows the rigid heel to provide its height benefit without requiring the entire shoe to be rigid, thereby maintaining comfort in other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf shoe with a rigid heel of at least two inches and a toe of at least one inch is used to improve the distance a golf ball can be hit. The increased golfer height improves the arc of the golf club, thus increasing club head speed.