Footwear Heel Force Mitigation via Inclined Elastic Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional footwear inadequately mitigates upward forces transferred to the ankle, legs, and spine from downward movements, often resulting in orthopedic issues due to the lack of effective cushioning, particularly in the heel region, where forces are proportionally less dispersed.

Innovation Solution

A force mitigation device in footwear featuring a constant force spring mechanism with an elastic field and an inclined surface that compresses the material in a direction perpendicular to the displacement force, providing a constant counterforce to absorb peak impacts, rather than increasing with displacement distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional footwear uses rigid materials or simple foam cushioning, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to mitigate upward forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce mitigation capabilityVSAvoidcushioning structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the force-displacement parameter relationship by using an inclined plane mechanism to transform the linear spring force into a constant force output. The elastic field's force characteristics are modified through the mechanical advantage of the inclined surface, converting a variable force spring into a constant force mitigation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surface acts as an intermediary between the elastic field and the actuator. It transforms the displacement force from the shoe sole into a compressive force on the elastic field, mediating the force transmission and enabling constant force mitigation regardless of displacement distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If conventional footwear uses increased cushioning in the heel region, then force absorption improves, but the counterforce increases with displacement distance creating peak forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterforce consistencyVSAvoidpeak impact force

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the counterforce parameter from variable (increasing with displacement) to constant. The inclined surface mechanism ensures that the elastic field compresses in a direction that maintains constant opposing force throughout the actuator's displacement range, eliminating peak force conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing the spring to push directly upward with increasing force, the patent inverts the approach by using the inclined surface to convert vertical displacement into lateral compression of the elastic field. This inversion of the force application direction enables constant force mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution effectively distributes peak forces over time, reducing the risk of orthopedic injuries by maintaining a constant counterforce, unlike conventional shoes where counterforces increase with displacement, leading to sharper impacts.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic field of resilient, compressible material. The elastic field is elongated in a direction aligned with the displacement force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an inclined surface is attached to the actuator and disposed against the elastic field. The inclined surface is oriented to compress the elastic field in a direction defined by the inclined surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11864631B2Downwards absorbing and upwards accommodating footwear heel

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 BROWN CHRISTOPHER A

AI summary

A force dissipating device in a footwear appliance includes an actuator responsive to a displacement force from a shoe sole surface, and an elastic field of resilient, compressible material. The elastic field is elongated in a direction aligned with the displacement force, and an inclined surface is attached to the actuator and disposed against the elastic field. The actuator is adapted for movement parallel to the elastic field, while the inclined surface is oriented to compress the elastic field in a direction defined by the inclined surface. The inclined surface is oriented at an angle to compress the elastic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to vertical actuator displacement, thus providing a constant region of opposed, compressive force that is generally constant, rather than increasing with displacement distance.