Hollow Elastic Pillar Insole for Ventilation and Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastic insoles suffer from poor air circulation and odor issues due to airproof materials, and existing respiring insoles with hollow tubes have limited ventilation and are prone to deformation and cracking.
Innovation Solution
An insole with individual elastic components featuring a soft-elastic pad, ventilative layer, and hollow elastic pillars with specific height differences and locations, allowing for air circulation and cushioning when pressed, and automatic air replenishment when not pressed, using a combination of first and second hollow elastic pillars and a supporting block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional elastic pads are made of airproof materials, then resilience and comfort are improved, but air circulation deteriorates causing odors and sweat accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hollow elastic pillars with internal cavities and openings that create a porous structure. These pillars allow air to pass through while maintaining the elastic properties needed for cushioning. The hollow structure enables ventilation without sacrificing resilience, as the elastic material itself provides the cushioning effect while the hollow channels facilitate air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes air pressure differential to drive ventilation. When the insole is pressed, air is forced out through the hollow pillars; when not pressed, air refills the pillars automatically. This pneumatic mechanism creates passive ventilation that responds to user movement, eliminating odors while maintaining comfort through the elastic material's cushioning properties.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hollow tubes are used for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but the tubes are prone to deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous hollow tube structure, the patent divides the ventilation system into multiple discrete hollow elastic pillars. Each pillar is an independent elastic component with its own hollow structure. This segmentation distributes mechanical stress across many small units rather than concentrating it in one large tube, preventing deformation and cracking while maintaining effective ventilation through the collective action of all pillars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines elastic material with hollow structural elements to create composite pillars that possess both flexibility and structural integrity. The elastic material provides crack resistance and flexibility, while the hollow interior maintains ventilation channels. This composite structure eliminates the brittleness associated with rigid hollow tubes while preserving the ventilation function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If ventilative layers are disposed on top of elastic pads, then air circulation is improved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ventilative layer and the elastic pad into a single integrated structure. The hollow elastic pillars are formed as part of the insole body itself, eliminating the need for separate ventilative layers. This integration simplifies manufacturing to a single molding or fabrication process while achieving both ventilation and cushioning functions simultaneously, reducing structural complexity and production steps.
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
Enhances air circulation and cushioning within the shoe by forcing air out of the pillars when pressed and refilling when not pressed, improving comfort and reducing odor buildup.
Implementation Method 1
the first hollow elastic pillars and the second hollow elastic pillars will be firstly squeezed and deformed to force the air inside the first hollow elastic pillars and the second hollow elastic pillars to spurt upwards and out from the openings
Data Source
AI summary
An insole with individual elastic components has an elastic pad with a ventilative layer adhered to the top surface and a supporting block disposed at the heel region on the bottom surface. The elastic pad has first hollow elastic pillars in the foot-thenar region and second hollow elastic pillars in the foot-arch region, with both pillars extending from the bottom surface and having openings toward the top surface. The elastic pad is formed as a single body. The height of the first hollow elastic pillars and the second hollow elastic pillars is greater than the height of the supporting block so that ventilation and cushioning effects are provided to improve air circulation inside the shoe when the insole is pressed.