Integrated Cleat with Composite Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articles of footwear with cleats face intense forces and stresses due to repeated impact with the ground, leading to increased stress on the outsole and cleat portions, particularly when cleats penetrate the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with an integrated cleat member is designed, featuring a protruding portion with a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, where the inner surface is filled with a supporting structure made of a less rigid material than the plate member, and the cleat tip is connected through a hole for enhanced traction and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the outsole and cleat portions are subjected to repeated impact with the ground, then traction and penetration are improved, but stress and forces on the cleat portions increase leading to reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat member is divided into three distinct portions: an outer portion (convex) for ground contact and penetration, an inner portion (concave) for structural support, and a connecting portion with a hole for attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the outer portion for traction/penetration and the inner portion for durability/stress resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the plate member (outer portion) is made of a first material and the supporting structure (inner portion) is made of a second material. This composite approach allows selection of materials with complementary properties - the plate member material optimized for penetration and the supporting structure material optimized for stress resistance and durability.
2Strength
If the cleat member is made with a rigid structure for durability, then strength is improved, but weight increases reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the cleat member are assigned different material properties and structural characteristics. The outer portion is designed with properties optimized for penetration and ground contact, while the inner portion is designed with properties optimized for stress resistance. This local differentiation allows the cleat member to achieve necessary strength without uniformly increasing weight throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional solid cleat design to a multi-dimensional structure with an outer portion, inner portion, and connecting portion. The inner portion is positioned within the outer portion, creating a hollow or partially hollow structure that reduces weight while maintaining strength through strategic material placement and geometric configuration.
3Reliability
If the cleat member is designed with integrated structure for structural integrity, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions and components into a single integrated cleat member structure. The outer portion, inner portion, and connecting portion are merged into one unified component that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This integration simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining the structural integrity benefits of having multiple functional portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.