Interchangeable Footwear Sole Elements with Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear sole structures are often designed based on general conditions or preferences, leading to compromises that may not adequately match individual wearers' needs, resulting in unsatisfactory cushioning for various users.
Innovation Solution
The design of an article of footwear with multiple independently removable and replaceable support elements, secured by elastic retaining bands, allowing users to customize the sole structure with different properties to better suit their preferences and needs, and incorporating sensors and an electronics module to measure forces and recommend support element replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sole structure is designed with fixed cushioning elements based on general conditions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to individual wearer needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple independent support elements (first support element, second support element, third support element) that can be independently removed and replaced. Each support element can be customized with different cushioning properties, allowing individual wearers to select combinations that match their specific needs while maintaining a standardized base structure for easy manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The base sole structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various combinations of support elements. The same base structure can be used with different support element configurations to serve multiple wearer preferences and conditions, making the manufacturing process simpler while providing versatile customization options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple replaceable support elements are added to enable customization, then adaptability to individual wearers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cushioning system into independent, standardized support elements, the patent simplifies the complexity management. Each element is a discrete, replaceable unit with standardized interfaces, making the overall system easier to manufacture and customize compared to a fully integrated custom-designed sole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different support elements can be tailored with specific local properties (firmness, height, material composition) to address particular wearer needs in specific foot regions, while the overall structure maintains standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that control complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and electronics are integrated to provide real-time force measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors integrated into the support elements provide real-time force measurement data that feeds back to a controller, enabling dynamic adjustment or recommendation of support element configurations. This feedback mechanism improves measurement precision by continuously monitoring actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic system automatically processes force measurement data and generates recommendations for support element replacement without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity despite the added measurement capabilities.
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
Enables personalized customization of cushioning characteristics, improving comfort and performance by allowing users to replace support elements based on real-time force data, enhancing the fit and feel of the shoe.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the support elements may be at least partially secured in a corresponding position on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining band, with each of those retaining bands being elastically and non-destructively expandable
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.