Golf Shoe Spring Plate for Flex and Torsional Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoes often have simplistic insert geometries that do not provide the full range of performance characteristics needed for high-performance golfing, and they are not customized to an individual's anatomy and swing biomechanics, leading to unintentional shoe movement and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Customizable inserts with optimized geometries and structural configurations tailored to an individual's anatomy and swing biomechanics, incorporating complex 3D structures to control sole assembly flex, torsional stiffness, and traction, enhancing performance characteristics such as comfort, load support, and deformation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simplistic insert geometries are used in conventional golf shoes, then manufacturing is easier and device complexity is reduced, but the range of performance characteristics and customization to individual anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with variable thickness across different zones of the sole assembly, creating a dynamic structure that adapts to individual anatomical characteristics and swing biomechanics. The thickness variation allows the same insert to provide customized support and flexibility characteristics for different users without requiring multiple insert designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert geometry parameters (thickness, curvature, volume) are optimized based on individual anatomical data and swing characteristics. By changing these geometric parameters, the system achieves customized performance characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for producing the optimized insert.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex 3D structures with optimized geometries are used, then performance characteristics and customization are improved, but manufacturing complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of individual anatomical characteristics and swing biomechanics to determine the optimal insert geometry before manufacturing. This preliminary customization step allows complex 3D structures to be designed and manufactured efficiently, as the geometry is predetermined based on user-specific data rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical customization mechanisms with a data-driven approach using anatomical scans and swing analysis. This substitution allows for precise customization of complex 3D insert structures without requiring mechanically complex manufacturing processes, as the geometry is derived from digital models rather than physical trial-and-error.
3Device complexity
If inserts are not customized to individual anatomy and swing biomechanics, then manufacturing is simpler and device complexity is reduced, but shoe movement control and performance optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insert system provides self-service customization by using the user's own anatomical data and swing characteristics to automatically generate the optimized geometry. This eliminates the need for manual fitting and adjustment processes, reducing device complexity while ensuring each insert is reliably customized to the individual user's specific needs.
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
The custom inserts improve golf performance by optimizing sole assembly flexibility and stability, managing foot movement, and enhancing traction, allowing for consistent and optimal golf swings despite deviations in posture or technique.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member integrated with at least one of the midsole or outsole... the at least one curved portion may be configured to facilitate a movement of the elastic member... the gap may be configured to promote flexing of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A golf shoe with an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly may include a midsole comprising a first region located in a medial forefoot region of the sole assembly, a second region located in a lateral forefoot region of the sole assembly, a third region located in a medial rearfoot region of the sole assembly, a fourth region located in a lateral rearfoot region of the sole assembly, and a fifth region located in a midfoot region of the sole assembly, wherein the first region comprises a foam material with an adaptable material property that changes or varies based on (i) an amount of force exerted by a subject’s foot on the foam material and (ii) a velocity of the subject’s foot relative to the foam material.