Hydrogel Layered Outsole Materials for Soil-Resistant Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articles such as footwear and sporting equipment frequently accumulate soil on their externally facing surfaces during use, which can affect traction and performance on unpaved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A layered material comprising an externally facing hydrogel layer and a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer, optionally with inner layers, is integrated into the outsole component to disrupt soil adhesion and cohesion, preventing soil accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional outsole materials are used, then the footwear structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but soil accumulates on the externally facing surfaces affecting traction and performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction performanceVSAvoidlayered material structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is divided into multiple functional layers: an externally facing layer that contacts the ground, intermediate layers for structural support, and an internally facing layer for attachment to the footwear upper. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, with the externally facing layer specifically designed to prevent soil accumulation while maintaining traction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction where different materials with complementary properties are combined in a layered structure. The externally facing layer uses materials resistant to soil adhesion, while intermediate layers provide mechanical strength and flexibility, creating a composite system that achieves both soil resistance and traction performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If soil accumulates on the outsole, then the footwear structure remains unchanged, but the footwear gains weight and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance preservationVSAvoidfootwear weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The externally facing layer is designed with properties that preemptively prevent soil adhesion before it can occur. The material composition and surface characteristics of this layer create resistance to soil attachment, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning or weight management interventions during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a layered material structure is implemented, then soil accumulation is prevented and traction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The layered material structure is pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing with each layer positioned and bonded in its correct location before the footwear is completed. This preliminary arrangement of layers simplifies the final assembly process and ensures consistent performance without requiring complex adjustments during footwear production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 layered material enhances traction and prevents footwear from gaining weight due to soil, preserving performance on unpaved surfaces by reducing soil accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The externally facing layer can absorb fluid (e.g., water) and when sufficiently wet can provide compressive compliance and/or expulsion of uptaken water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a second layer (e.g., a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer) and optionally one or more inner layers between the externally facing layer and the second layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHot melt adhesive bonding: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12376644B2Layered materials, methods of making, methods of use, and articles incorporation the layered materials

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 NIKE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure, in general, provides for a layered material that can be incorporated in to textiles (e.g., footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, or components of each). In an aspect, the layered material includes an externally facing layer and a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer and optionally one or more inner layers between the externally facing layer and the thermoplastic hot melt adhesive layer. The present disclosure provides for articles including the layered material such as footwear, apparel, sporting equipment, a component of an article of sporting equipment, apparel or footwear, including a outsole structure for footwear.