Lattice Panel for Running Shoe Sole Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole constructions for running shoes lack integral flexibility, which can lead to inefficient movement sequences and potential damage during running, as they rely primarily on the deformability of individual hollow elements rather than providing overall elastic flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lattice-shaped panel in the intermediate sole that covers the heel, midfoot, and forefoot regions, with longitudinal and transverse ribs, which allows for elastic bending and torsional flexibility, thereby enhancing the overall elastic flexibility and stability of the sole construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual hollow elements are made deformable to absorb forces during running, then local adaptability to rolling movement is improved, but integral flexibility of the sole construction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate sole is divided into multiple independently deformable hollow elements in the forefoot and heel regions, allowing local adaptation to rolling movements while maintaining overall structural integrity through the continuous lattice panel
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice-shaped panel acts as an intermediary structure connecting the individually deformable hollow elements, providing integral flexibility through its own elastic bending properties while coordinating the deformation of separate elements
2Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous panel is used in the intermediate sole to provide integral flexibility, then overall elastic flexibility is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate sole uses a thin lattice-shaped panel with flexible ribs instead of a continuous thick panel, achieving integral flexibility through the geometric configuration of the lattice structure while reducing material usage and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous panel is segmented into a lattice structure with longitudinal and transverse ribs, maintaining overall flexibility while reducing material consumption and enabling simpler production through modular rib construction
3Adaptability or versatility
If hollow elements are allowed to deform individually, then local deformation capability is improved, but contribution to integral flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two approaches: individually deformable hollow elements for local adaptation and a continuous lattice panel for integral flexibility, creating a hybrid structure where both elements work together to provide comprehensive flexibility at different scales
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
The lattice-shaped panel improves the natural movement sequence of the foot during rolling off by providing adaptive flexibility and stability, reducing the risk of damaging movements and optimizing pressure distribution, while also reducing material usage and weight.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow elements absorbing forces which act on them during running in each case by elastic deformation with a reduction in the spacing between their inner faces
Implementation Method 2
the panel being incompressible, but absorbing forces which act on it during running by elastic bending
Data Source
AI summary
In a sole construction for a running shoe having an outer sole and an intermediate sole, the sole construction including a plurality of hollow elements which are in each case closed off by front and rear flanks in the longitudinal direction of the sole construction but are open at the sides and have upper and lower inner faces at a mutual spacing. The hollow elements are configured to absorb forces which act on them during running in each case by elastic deformation with a reduction in the spacing between their inner faces and optionally by horizontal displacement of their inner faces with respect to one another. The hollow elements are configured to deform to such an extent that their upper and lower inner faces come into contact with one another, and that this contact prevents a horizontal displacement of their inner faces with respect to one another.