Hydrogel Tie Layer for Soil-Shedding Outsoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outsoles accumulate soil, leading to weight increase and interference with normal use, especially on unpaved surfaces, due to inadequate soil shedding capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a polymeric hydrogel material with a tie layer on the outsole, which absorbs water, swells, and disrupts soil adhesion, reducing accumulation by expelling water and modifying soil rheology to facilitate soil shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional outsole designs with tread patterns, lugs, and cleats are used to improve traction on soft and slippery surfaces, then traction is improved, but soil accumulation increases in the tread pattern, around and between lugs, and on cleats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the outsole through a hydrogel-containing material that changes its water content and swelling state. The material's water uptake capacity and swelling ratio are controlled to create surface conditions that prevent soil adhesion while maintaining traction, directly addressing the contradiction between improved grip and soil accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a hydrogel-containing material with the outsole structure. The hydrogel material serves as a functional layer that provides soil-shedding properties while the underlying outsole maintains its traction elements, creating a composite system that simultaneously achieves both traction and soil prevention
2Quantity of substance
If the outsole accumulates soil, then the article gains weight, but this weight increase interferes with normal use and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of water contact into a beneficial mechanism. The hydrogel material absorbs water from the environment, and this water uptake is used to create a swelling effect that actively sheds soil rather than allowing it to accumulate, thus converting what would normally be a weight-adding factor into a soil-prevention mechanism
3Quantity of substance
If the hydrogel-containing material is designed to absorb water and swell to disrupt soil adhesion, then soil shedding is improved, but the material must be securely bonded to prevent delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the bonding challenge by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface coating concept to a three-dimensional layered structure. The hydrogel-containing material is formulated as a material with specific thickness and volumetric properties, allowing it to be securely integrated into the outsole as a distinct layer that maintains its soil-shedding function while achieving reliable mechanical bonding through its dimensional presence
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 hydrogel-containing material significantly reduces soil accumulation on outsoles, preserving traction and reducing wearers' fatigue, while maintaining durability and effectiveness over extended use periods.
Implementation Method 1
the material comprising a polymeric hydrogel... which absorbs water, swells
Implementation Method 2
a polymeric hydrogel material with a tie layer on the outsole, which absorbs water, swells
Implementation Method 3
expelling water and modifying soil rheology to facilitate soil shedding
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to articles and components thereof, including outsoles, which can be used in conditions normally conducive to the accumulation of soil. In particular, the articles have substrate body, a tie layer secured to the substrate body, and a material including a hydrogel secured to the tie layer. The material can prevent or reduce the accumulation of soil during use. The presence of the tie layer can minimize or prevent delamination of the hydrogel containing material during normal use.