Leaf Spring Damping Assembly for Compact Propulsive Footwear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current damping systems for footwear are bulky, limited to use with specialized shoes, and reduce comfort due to rigid materials that do not adapt to the user's morphology or movements.
Innovation Solution
A compact damping system featuring a rigid support with a curved spring blade that compresses and relaxes, generating return forces for propulsion while being integrated into a footwear article without interfering with walking movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a damping system with spring elements is incorporated into footwear, then propulsion force and shock reduction are improved, but the system becomes bulky and limited to specialized shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is divided into separate functional components: a rigid support element integrated into the footwear sole and a separate spring blade element that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the spring element to be optimized for performance while the support structure remains compact and integrated into regular footwear geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support is designed with a reception face that can accommodate spring elements in various configurations and positions, making the same support structure usable across different footwear types and applications. This universality allows the damping system to be adapted to regular shoes rather than requiring specialized footwear.
2Force
If rigid materials are used to control spring forces, then force control is improved, but comfort is reduced due to inability to adapt to user morphology and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure combines rigid elements for force control with flexible or compliant interfaces at contact points. The rigid support provides structural stability and force control, while localized flexible elements (such as compliant mounting features or cushioning layers between the support and insole) adapt to user morphology and movements, maintaining comfort despite the presence of rigid force-controlling components.
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 system improves walking comfort and balance while providing propulsion, allowing for long-duration sporting activities without the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring blade including a first end and a second end, the blade having a curved shape between the ends. In other words, the spring blade has a curve at rest, the deformation of the spring blade by increasing or reducing the curving generating a contrary return force.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a damping system for an article including a rigid support having at least one reception face extending along a plane, and a spring blade including a first end and a second end. A first means of assembling the article includes a first end with the rigid support. The blade extends along the rigid support on a convex path so that said second end is put in contact with said reception face and is able to move in said plane during compression and/or relaxation of said blade.