Shoe Insole Arch Support Plate Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe insoles fail to maintain appropriate joint meshing without unnecessarily restricting foot movement, leading to potential bodily injuries due to deviations in foot joints and unbalanced posture.

Innovation Solution

A shoe insole design featuring a sheet section with arch-shaped support plates and through-holes, combined with a support plate of specific hardness and layered resin materials, to support the arch and heel sections, maintaining joint alignment and reducing foot burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hard support plate is attached to cover the area from center to heel, then the skeletal structure of the foot can be arranged at a preferred position, but the movement of the foot may be unnecessarily restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint alignmentVSAvoidfoot movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is divided into multiple sections: a first support section under the arch, a second support section under the heel, and a third support section connecting them. This segmentation allows each section to independently support specific foot structures while maintaining overall flexibility and natural foot movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insole provides different levels of support in different regions: firm support under the arch and heel through the support plate, while maintaining flexibility in other areas. The sheet section material and support plate configuration are optimized for local structural needs without restricting overall foot adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the support plate is made from harder material, then the burden on foot joints can be reduced, but the comfort and flexibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insole combines a sheet section made of flexible material (such as foam or fabric) with a support plate made of harder material (such as rigid plastic or composite). This composite structure provides the necessary support strength while maintaining comfort and flexibility through the softer sheet section that contacts the foot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is positioned to provide hard support only where structurally necessary (under the arch and heel), while the surrounding areas use softer materials. This localized application of hardness ensures support capability is provided exactly where needed without compromising overall comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the insole provides firm support to maintain joint meshing, then posture balance can be maintained, but the natural movement of the foot may be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture stabilityVSAvoidfoot flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is divided into multiple sections: a first support section under the arch, a second support section under the heel, and a third support section connecting them. This segmentation allows each section to independently support specific foot structures while maintaining overall flexibility and natural foot movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insole design allows the foot to move naturally within the constraints of the support structure. The support plate maintains joint alignment during static positions and controlled movements, while the flexible sheet section and through-holes allow dynamic adaptation during various foot movements and exercise activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3970549B1Shoe insole
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 WINNING ONE
  • EP3970549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3970549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3970549B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

To provide a shoe insole that can inherently maintain appropriate meshing with foot joints at a high level. [Solution] A sheet section, disposed on the entire base of a shoe, and a support plate, formed from a material harder than the sheet section are provided. The sheet section and the support plate each comprises an inner curved surface section, curved in an arch shape with an end section standing upward, an outer wall section, curved in an arch shape, with an end section standing upward, and a central wall section, formed between the inner wall section and the outer wall section. The support plate comprises an inner ridge section, formed on the boundary between the inner wall section and the central wall section, and an outer ridge section, formed on the boundary between the outer wall section and the central wall section. A plurality of through-holes, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support plate, are formed in the inner wall section and the outer wall section of the support plate. At least an upper surface of the central wall section located between the inner ridge section and the outer ridge section is curved so as to draw an arch in the longitudinal direction of the support plate.