Internal Sipe Insert for Footwear Flexibility and Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear technologies fail to replicate the natural flexibility, cushioning, and stability of the human bare foot, as they often use rigid materials and external sipes that introduce instability and collect debris, leading to suboptimal performance in absorbing shock and shear forces.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a unitary internal sipe insert or component with internal slits or channels into footwear, which allows for relative motion between surfaces and can include lubricating media like magnetorheological fluid, to enhance flexibility, cushioning, and stability, mimicking the natural anatomical structure of the foot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid materials are used in footwear soles to provide structural support, then stability and support are improved, but flexibility and natural foot interaction are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into multiple segments separated by internal sipes, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the sole to flex naturally during foot movement while preserving stability through the distributed segment structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible membrane structures within the sole construction that can deform and adapt to foot movement. These flexible elements are integrated into the rigid sole structure, creating a composite system that provides both stability and natural flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If external sipes are used to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but stability is degraded and debris collection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using external sipes that open to the surface, the patent inverts the concept by placing sipes internally within the sole structure. This internal sipe configuration provides flexibility through internal deformation while preventing debris from entering and compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful aspect of external sipes (debris collection and instability) is extracted by moving the sipe function entirely inside the sole structure. The internal sipes provide the necessary flexibility without exposing openings to the external environment where debris could accumulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If firm materials are used to improve cushioning and shock absorption, then cushioning is improved, but flexibility is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecushioningVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material construction combining firm cushioning materials with flexible membrane elements. The firm materials provide shock absorption and cushioning, while the integrated flexible membranes maintain the ability to deform naturally during foot movement, resolving the contradiction between cushioning and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution results in footwear that closely mimics the natural flexibility and stability of the bare foot, improving interaction with the ground and reducing the risk of injury by effectively absorbing shock and shear forces while maintaining stability.

Implementation Method 1

The internal sipe may include a lubricating media such as a liquid, gel, or solid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

including a magnetorheological fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentUS8291618B2Devices with internal flexibility sipes, including siped chambers for footwear

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 ELLIS

AI summary

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.