Interchangeable Footwear Support Elements via Elastic Retaining Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear sole structures are designed based on specific conditions and preferences, often resulting in a compromise that may not adequately match individual wearers' needs, leading to unsatisfactory cushioning and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The design of an article of footwear with removable and replaceable support elements, secured by elastic retaining bands, allows for customization of cushioning characteristics and ground-contacting surfaces, enabling adjustment to better fit individual preferences and needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed sole structure is designed based on specific conditions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to individual wearer needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into a base and multiple interchangeable support elements that can be independently selected and attached. Each support element provides different cushioning characteristics, allowing wearers to customize their sole structure to individual preferences while maintaining simple manufacturing of standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with multiple standardized attachment locations that can accommodate various types of support elements. This universal interface allows a single base design to work with multiple different support element configurations, achieving versatility without increasing manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If cushioning structure is optimized for a particular sport type, then performance for that sport is improved, but versatility across different wearers and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Wearers can adjust and replace support elements based on different sports activities, foot conditions, or personal preferences, allowing the cushioning characteristics to adapt dynamically to various requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear is disclosed comprising a sole structure including a plurality of support elements (18a - 18e) located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements is at least partially secured in a corresponding position (23a - 23e) on the sole structure by a corresponding retaining band (19a - 19e; 20a -20e) surrounding at least a portion of the support element, and wherein each of the retaining bands is elastically and non-destructively expandable. Methods utilizing the article include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element. A kit comprising an article of footwear and a plurality of support elements for each position is also disclosed.