Interlinked Footwear Sole Impact Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles lack effective impact attenuation and energy return mechanisms, particularly in athletic footwear, leading to inadequate comfort and performance during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of impact-attenuation support members with interlaced elements and elastic materials, such as TPU and EVA, within the sole structure, which undergo structural transformations to absorb and return energy, providing enhanced cushioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shoe sole structures are used, then the basic protective function is provided, but impact attenuation and energy return are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional layers including a midsole layer with cushioning material and an outsole layer with traction elements. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific functions (impact absorption, energy return, ground contact) thereby improving overall impact attenuation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with different layers made from materials having distinct properties - the midsole uses cushioning material for impact absorption while the outsole uses durable material for traction. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of impact attenuation and energy return functions that single materials cannot provide
2Reliability
If cushioning elements are added to improve impact attenuation, then comfort is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cushioning function and energy return function into a single integrated midsole layer structure. The cushioning material within the midsole simultaneously performs both impact absorption and energy return, eliminating the need for separate components and thereby improving impact attenuation without proportionally increasing structural complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the sole structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but impact attenuation and energy return are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into distinct layers (midsole and outsole) with clear functional boundaries, allowing each layer to be manufactured separately using optimized processes for that specific function, then assembled together. This segmentation enables simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex overall performance through layer integration
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite material construction with specialized materials for each layer, the patent achieves high energy return and impact attenuation performance through material properties rather than complex structural designs, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability
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
This configuration effectively attenuates impact forces and provides energy return, improving comfort and performance in athletic activities by reducing shock and enhancing stability and responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of impact-attenuation support members with interlaced elements and elastic materials, such as TPU and EVA, within the sole structure, which undergo structural transformations to absorb and return energy
Implementation Method 2
one or more impact-attenuation support members configured to dampen and attenuate an impact force exerted on the sole structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A sole structure (45) for an article of footwear (10) includes an impact-attenuation support member. The impact-attenuation support member includes a first impact-attenuation element (102, 104) and a second-impact-attenuation element (102, 104). The first and second impact-attenuation elements (102) include one or more portions that are interlinked and that are movable with respect to one another in at least one direction.