Hexagonal Siped Articulated Sole for Foot Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear sole structures do not adequately accommodate the natural motion and kinematics of the human foot, particularly during running and other dynamic activities, leading to suboptimal cushioning, support, and traction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulated sole structure featuring hexagonal sole elements defined by transverse and oblique sipes, which provide flexibility and stability by allowing discrete sole elements to separate and move, mimicking the sensation of barefoot running while maintaining cushioning and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional midsole designs with uniform polymer foam material are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the sole structure cannot adequately accommodate natural foot motion and provides suboptimal cushioning and support
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple discrete sole elements separated by sipes, allowing each element to move independently and accommodate natural foot motion during running and other activities while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure transitions from a static uniform foam to a dynamic segmented design where individual sole elements can articulate and adapt to the complex kinematics of human foot movement, providing responsive cushioning and support
2Adaptability or versatility
If deeper sipes are used to increase flexibility, then foot motion accommodation improves, but structural integrity and protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Sipe depth is varied across different regions of the sole structure, with deeper sipes in areas requiring greater flexibility and shallower sipes in areas needing stronger support, optimizing both flexibility and structural integrity locally
Solution Approach 2:
The depth parameter of sipes is modified across different zones of the midsole to achieve optimal balance between flexibility for foot motion and structural strength for protection, with depths ranging from approximately 2mm to 10mm
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 articulated sole structure enhances foot flexibility and stability, providing improved cushioning and traction by allowing the sole elements to adapt to natural foot motion, thus enhancing the overall performance and comfort during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The sipes may have a sipe depth of about 2 mm to about 3 mm near a forward end of the forefoot region, about 7 mm to about 8 mm near a rear end of the forefoot region, and about 7 mm to about 10 mm in the midfoot region and in the heel region
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear sole structure may include a plurality of discrete hexagonally-shaped sole elements defined by a plurality of sipes. The sipes may include a plurality of sipes that extend in a transverse direction across the sole structure and a plurality of sipes that extend in an oblique direction relative to the transverse sipes. A plurality of sipes may also subdivide the hexagonally-shaped sole elements into one or more diamond-shaped sole element portions. The sole structure may include additional features such as non-hexagonal sole elements and lugs distributed across a bottom surface of the sole structure.