Golf Shoe Traction Element Layout for Grip and Surface Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoe traction elements prioritize slip prevention on various ground surfaces but fail to optimize traction properties for golf performance, leading to undesired shoe movement and potential damage to on-course surfaces, and lack adaptability for both on and off-course use.
Innovation Solution
The golf shoe incorporates optimally sized and arranged traction elements that consider biomechanical and anatomical characteristics, providing adaptive traction elements that deform for different surfaces and direct loads to minimize shoe movement, enhance performance, and preserve course surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional traction elements are designed to maximize coefficients of friction to prevent slips and falls, then slip prevention is improved, but golf performance and consistency are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating traction element properties across different regions of the outsole. Specific regions have traction elements with optimized sizes, shapes, and arrangements tailored to the biomechanical demands of golf actions in those areas, rather than using uniform traction elements throughout. This allows simultaneous optimization for slip prevention and golf-specific performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing traction elements that can adapt their configuration based on loading conditions and surface types. The traction elements are arranged to provide different traction characteristics during various golf actions (swinging, walking, crouching), allowing the shoe to dynamically respond to changing performance requirements while maintaining slip prevention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traction elements are designed to provide strong mechanical engagement with ground surfaces, then shoe stability is improved, but damage to on course surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the size, shape, depth, and material properties of traction elements. These parameters are optimized to provide sufficient mechanical engagement for shoe stability during golf actions while limiting penetration depth and contact pressure to prevent excessive damage to delicate on-course surfaces like greens and fairways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by varying traction element characteristics in different outsole regions. Areas requiring higher stability (e.g., heel region during swing) have more aggressive traction elements, while areas contacting delicate surfaces (e.g., toe region during walking) have gentler traction elements, thus balancing stability needs with surface preservation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of shoes are used for on course and off course applications, then performance optimization is improved, but convenience and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single golf shoe that performs both on-course and off-course functions. The outsole incorporates traction elements with properties optimized for golf performance on course surfaces, while the overall shoe design (including upper materials, fit, and cushioning) ensures comfort for extended wear during travel and casual activities, eliminating the need for separate shoes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a versatile shoe design that adapts to different surface types and activities. The traction element configuration provides optimized performance for golf actions on course surfaces while maintaining adequate traction and comfort characteristics for off-course use on various surfaces like pavement, grass, or indoor floors.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional traction element configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optimal traction properties for golf performance are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outsole into multiple regions, each with specifically configured traction elements. This segmented approach allows precise control over traction properties in different areas to optimize golf performance, while the modular region-based design can still be manufactured using standard molding or attachment processes, balancing precision with manufacturability.
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 solution enhances golf performance by minimizing shoe movement, maintaining surface quality, and allowing a single shoe to be comfortable on and off the course, while optimizing traction for various ground types and golf actions.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptive traction element designs and configurations referenced herein may provide a flexible solution for both on course and off course traction by utilizing a traction element that can adapt or deform to provide (1) a first horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional area or dimension that is optimized for an on course surface and (2) a second horizontal and/or vertical cross-sectional area or dimension that is optimized for an off course surface
Implementation Method 2
Many conventional shoes utilize traction elements that are designed or configured to minimize slip and fall scenarios (e.g., by maximizing coefficients of friction between the traction elements and various off course ground surfaces)
Data Source
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 outsole includes a plurality of traction elements positioned around a central region of the outsole. The traction elements comprise: (i) a first set of traction elements arranged along a perimeter or edge of the shoe in a first spatial configuration corresponding to a shape or profile of the perimeter or edge of the shoe, and (ii) a second set of traction elements nested between the first set of traction elements and a third set of traction elements. The first and second sets of traction elements are staggered relative to each other in a non-channeling and non-trenching configuration. The first and second sets of traction elements comprise (i) one or more directional traction elements and (ii) one or more omni-directional traction elements.