Graded-Elasticity Shoe Sole for Cushioning and Foot Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles with convex elements for cushioning increase the difference in elastic modulus between elements and the midsole surface, leading to discomfort for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A sole design with a shock-absorbing part having a recessed surface and columnar bodies extending to a support surface, featuring a high-elastic region adjacent to the support surface and a low-elastic region adjacent to the high-elastic region, reducing the modulus difference and enhancing cushioning while supporting the foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic modulus of each convex element is lowered to improve shock-absorbing property, then the cushioning performance is improved, but the difference in elastic modulus between each convex element and the midsole surface increases, which increases a sense of discomfort felt by the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the shock-absorbing part: a high-elastic region adjacent to the midsole surface with higher elastic modulus for comfort, and a low-elastic region with lower elastic modulus for shock absorption. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows each region to fulfill its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining regions with different elastic moduli within the same shock-absorbing part. The high-elastic and low-elastic regions are integrated into a unified structure, creating a composite system that exhibits both comfort and shock-absorbing properties simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the elastic modulus of the shock-absorbing part is reduced to enhance cushioning, then the impact absorption is improved, but the support function and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by assigning different elastic modulus values to different regions: the low-elastic region provides superior cushioning for impact absorption, while the high-elastic region adjacent to the midsole surface maintains structural support and stability. Each region's local properties are optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing part is segmented into functionally distinct high-elastic and low-elastic regions. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously provide both cushioning and support functions through spatially separated zones with different mechanical properties.
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 design provides effective cushioning against foot impacts while minimizing wearer discomfort by smoothing the modulus transition between shock-absorbing and support parts.
Implementation Method 1
a high-elastic region that is located adjacent to the support surface; and a low-elastic region that is located adjacent to the high-elastic region and lower in elastic modulus than the high-elastic region
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a sole constituting a part of a shoe, the sole including: a shock-absorbing part (210) that cushions an impact applied to a foot upon landing; and a support part (220) that is higher in elastic modulus than the shock-absorbing part and supports the foot. The support part (220) includes a support surface (220a) provided around the shock-absorbing part. The shock-absorbing part (210) includes a recessed surface (212) and a plurality of columnar bodies (214H, 214L). The shock-absorbing part (210) includes a high-elastic region (210H) located adjacent to the support surface (220a) and a low-elastic region (210L) that is located adjacent to the high-elastic region and lower in elastic modulus than the high-elastic region.