Locking Midsole Insole Assembly Lateral Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear insoles lack proper fit and support, leading to reduced performance and comfort due to compromises in shape to fit various shoe sizes and styles, resulting in lateral movement and weight issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking insole assembly featuring a midsole with a contoured fillet region that closely receives the insole, providing support and reducing lateral movement, combined with materials like cork and ethylene vinyl acetate for adaptability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket insoles are made to fit a wide selection of shoes, then versatility is improved, but fit precision deteriorates causing lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple zones with different properties: a rigid heel cup region for stability and support, and a more flexible forefoot region for comfort and adaptation. This segmentation allows the insole to provide precise heel fit while maintaining versatility across different shoe types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insole have different material properties and structural characteristics. The heel cup uses denser, more rigid material for precise fit and support, while other areas use lighter, more compliant material for comfort and adaptability to various footwear.
2Strength
If insole thickness is increased to provide heel and arch support, then support strength is improved, but weight increases and volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insole uses variable thickness design with localized reinforcement. The heel cup and arch regions have increased thickness and density for maximum support strength, while the forefoot and other non-critical areas maintain reduced thickness to minimize overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole employs composite construction combining materials of different densities and properties. High-density rigid materials are used strategically in support-critical areas like the heel cup, while lighter materials are used in other regions, achieving optimal strength-to-weight ratio.
3Stability of the object's composition
If insole material is made rigid to prevent collapse, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into rigid support zones (heel cup, arch) and flexible comfort zones (forefoot, heel pad). This allows the rigid portions to maintain structural stability while the flexible portions provide comfort and adaptability to the foot and footwear.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different locations: rigid, stable materials in regions requiring structural support, and softer, more compliant materials in regions requiring comfort and adaptability to various shoe types and foot shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear item includes an insole, an outsole, and a midsole. The insole includes an insole top surface, an insole bottom surface, and an insole sidewall. The outsole includes an outsole top surface and an outsole bottom surface. The midsole is positioned between the insole and the outsole. The midsole is configured to nest onto the top surface of the outsole. In at least the heel region, the midsole includes a strobel upper surface and a strobel sidewall configured to nestingly receive a heel region of the insole. In addition, an interface between the strobel upper surface and the strobel sidewall includes a fillet region configured to support and reduce lateral-medial movement of the insole relative to the midsole.