Interleaved Concave Convex Impact Attenuator for Footwear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional impact attenuating materials in footwear, such as polymer foam, are insufficient in returning energy after compressive force and can make shoes excessively tall when sufficient volume is needed for effective impact attenuation, and they do not provide adequate support for high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Innovation Solution
The design of impact attenuating devices with a first and second element having concave and convex side walls that flex in opposite directions to absorb and then release energy, allowing for customizable stiffness and energy return without increasing shoe height, using materials like thermoplastic polyurethane or polyether-block co-polyamide polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional foam materials are used to attenuate impact forces, then impact attenuation is provided, but the shoe height increases excessively and energy return is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using thermoplastic polyurethane or polyether-block co-polyamide polymers with specific durometer ranges (40-90 durometer) instead of conventional foam materials. This material substitution provides both impact attenuation and energy return properties while maintaining a lower profile, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable impact protection and excessive shoe height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including the combination of thermoplastic polyurethane with other polymers, and the integration of multiple layers with different durometer values (softer outer layer with 50-90 durometer and harder inner layer with 70-100 durometer). This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of impact attenuation, energy return, and controlled shoe height
2Reliability
If conventional foam materials are used to attenuate impact forces, then impact attenuation is provided, but energy return to the user is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameters by selecting thermoplastic polyurethane and polyether-block co-polyamide polymers that inherently possess elastic recovery properties. These materials can store and return energy through their molecular structure, providing 30-70% energy return compared to conventional foam's minimal return, while maintaining effective impact attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures with layers of different durometer values where the softer outer layer (50-90 durometer) absorbs initial impact and the harder inner layer (70-100 durometer) provides structural support and energy return. This composite configuration optimizes both impact attenuation and energy return simultaneously
3Strength
If sufficient volume of impact attenuating material is used, then adequate support for high-impact activities is provided, but the shoe becomes excessively tall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material strength parameters by using thermoplastic polyurethane and polyether-block co-polyamide polymers with high tensile strength and elastic modulus. These materials provide adequate support for high-impact activities like running and jumping at reduced thicknesses, eliminating the need for excessive material volume and resulting in lower shoe height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures with multiple layers of different durometer values that work together to provide structural support. The combination of softer and harder layers creates a synergistic effect that delivers the necessary support for high-impact activities at reduced overall thickness, resolving the contradiction between strength and shoe height
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
These devices effectively attenuate impact forces and provide energy return, enhancing user performance without the need for excessive material volume, allowing for customizable characteristics based on user needs and activities.
Implementation Method 1
thermoplastic polyurethane or polyether-block co-polyamide polymer material that compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces
Data Source
AI summary
An impact attenuating device includes both concave and convex side walls, e.g., in an interleaved arrangement, optionally at least partially surrounded by a restraining element that may help return the impact attenuating device back to its original orientation after attenuating an impact. Such impact attenuating devices may be included in pieces of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices. Additionally, such impact attenuating devices or portions thereof may be freely selected and/or interchanged in a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device, e.g., based on one or more characteristics of an intended user and/or an intended use, so as to allow users to obtain footwear (or other devices) customized and targeted for use under a predetermined set of conditions.