Insole Printed Layer for Foot Sliding and Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insoles fail to provide sufficient friction between the foot and the insole during athletic activities, leading to foot sliding and reduced athletic performance due to inadequate grip, which results in energy loss.
Innovation Solution
An insole with a substrate and a printed layer having a higher static friction coefficient, specifically designed with rubber or polyurethane materials, featuring indentations and longitudinal/transverse lines to enhance grip, particularly at the metatarsal region, and varying thickness to accommodate foot anatomy, thereby preventing foot sliding and improving athletic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard insole substrate is used, then the insole provides basic cushioning and comfort, but the friction between the foot and insole is insufficient, causing foot sliding and energy loss during athletic activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a printed layer with higher friction coefficient specifically at the metatarsal region where foot sliding occurs during athletic activities. This localized application of high-friction material addresses the grip problem only where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire insole surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole combines a substrate material (such as foam or fabric) with a printed layer of high-friction material (such as rubber or polyurethane). This composite structure integrates the cushioning properties of the substrate with the grip-enhancing properties of the printed layer, resolving the contradiction between comfort and grip.
2Ease of operation
If the insole surface is made smooth for comfort, then wearing comfort is improved, but friction is reduced leading to foot sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The printed layer with high friction coefficient is applied locally at the metatarsal region rather than across the entire insole surface. This allows the majority of the insole surface to remain smooth for comfort, while providing enhanced grip only where foot sliding occurs during athletic activities.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform thickness insole is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate the varying anatomy of the foot, particularly at the metatarsal region
Solution Approach 1:
The insole features varying thickness with a raised portion at the metatarsal region that corresponds to the anatomical structure of the foot. This localized thickness variation provides ergonomic support where needed while maintaining relatively simple overall manufacturing through techniques like injection molding or layered construction.
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 enhanced friction and ergonomic design of the insole significantly reduce foot movement within the shoe, improving athletic performance by maintaining better grip and comfort, thus preventing energy loss and potential injuries.
Implementation Method 1
the printed layer comprises a second friction coefficient on the reference surface, which is higher than the first friction coefficient
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an insole comprising a substrate and a printed layer, wherein the substrate comprises a first friction coefficient on a reference surface and the printed layer comprises a second friction coefficient on the reference surface, which is higher than the first friction coefficient.