Layered Shoe Sole With Transverse Cavity For Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sole structures in footwear, particularly athletic shoes, are overly stiff, limiting toe flexibility and restricting the attachment of additional cushioning features, necessitating a more sophisticated and versatile sole design.

Innovation Solution

A sole assembly comprising an upper midsole layer, a lower midsole layer, and an outsole layer, with strategically designed cavities, grooves, and pods to enhance flexibility and cushioning, including a drop-in layer that nests in the upper midsole layer for improved comfort and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional sole structures are used, then weight support and foot protection are provided, but toe flexibility is limited due to excessive stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesole strengthVSAvoidtoe flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole assembly is divided into multiple layers (upper midsole layer, lower midsole layer, outsole layer) with distinct functions. The upper midsole layer provides structural strength while the lower midsole layer and outsole layer incorporate flexibility elements. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its properties independently, resolving the contradiction between overall sole strength and toe flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sole assembly have different material properties and structural characteristics. The upper midsole layer uses denser materials for strength, while the lower midsole layer and outsole layer incorporate softer, more flexible materials. This local differentiation allows the sole to provide both strength where needed and flexibility where required, specifically for toe movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If traditional sole structures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but attachment strategies for additional cushioning features are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesole structure complexityVSAvoidcushioning attachment versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sole assembly employs a nested structure where the lower midsole layer is positioned within the upper midsole layer, and the outsole layer is positioned within the lower midsole layer. This nested configuration creates multiple attachment interfaces and cavities that can accommodate various cushioning features, inserts, and additives without compromising the overall structural integrity. The nested design provides versatility for customization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sole assembly incorporates cavities and void spaces within its layered structure, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to create attachment opportunities. The upper midsole layer defines cavities that can receive cushioning elements, and the lower midsole layer provides additional attachment surfaces. This dimensional approach enables versatile cushioning integration without significantly increasing the lateral or longitudinal complexity of the sole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240398063A1Shoe bottom construction

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 CALERES INC

AI summary

A sole assembly includes an upper midsole layer, a lower midsole layer, and an outsole layer. The upper midsole layer defines a cavity in an aft region. The cavity extends substantially transversely relative to a longitudinal axis. The lower midsole layer connects to the upper midsole layer. The lower midsole layer transversely covers the cavity. The outsole layer connects to the lower midsole layer.