Modular Footwear Insert with Magnetic Spring and Energy Harvester

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock absorbing footwear lacks adjustable shock absorber characteristics, particularly load capacity, and fails to effectively generate electrical power while providing lift and propulsion.

Innovation Solution

A modular footwear design featuring a spring insert with opposing permanent magnets and coil springs in the heel cavity, which can be easily replaced, and an integrated electrical system to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional shock absorbing structures (gas-filled inserts, springs) are used in footwear, then shock absorption capability is improved, but the load capacity characteristics cannot be easily adjusted and the structures become bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoidadjustability of load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the shock absorber system adjustable and adaptable to different load requirements. The magnetic spring mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of shock absorption characteristics through changing the distance between magnetic elements or their configuration, enabling the same footwear to adapt to different wearer weights and activity levels without requiring multiple specialized inserts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If mechanical springs are embedded in the shoe sole, then shock dissipation is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock dissipationVSAvoidfootwear weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coil springs with a magnetic spring system using permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical spring structures while achieving equivalent or superior shock dissipation through magnetic repulsion forces. The magnetic field generates the necessary elastic restoring force without requiring physical spring coils, thereby reducing overall footwear weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical energy is absorbed and dissipated during walking, then shock protection is improved, but electrical power is not generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock to bodyVSAvoidelectrical power generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously wasted mechanical energy from foot motion into useful electrical energy through an integrated energy harvesting system. Piezoelectric elements or electromagnetic generators are incorporated into the footwear structure to capture the kinetic energy generated during walking or running, converting it into electrical power that can be stored and used to power sensors, lights, or other electronic components in the footwear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution provides adjustable shock absorption, reduced fatigue through enhanced lift and propulsion, and the ability to generate and store electrical power from user motion, applicable across various footwear types.

Implementation Method 1

The magnets are arranged in magnetic opposition so that they are repelled from one another. The opposed magnets function as a magnetic spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

The coil springs and magnetic spring together are designed to support an air-flux gap within the sole member at all times. This permits continuous and more effective shock dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

both the coil springs and the magnets bias the opposing walls of the cavity apart, giving lift or propulsion to the wearer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

The footwear may also include electrical elements which convert and store some of the mechanical energy generated by walking, Which would otherwise be absorbed or dissipated, into useful electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10959487B2Quick change shock mitigation outsole insert with energy harvester

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 B&B TECHNOLOGIES LP

AI summary

A modular article of footwear has a shock absorbing insert placed between the insole and the outsole thereof, for example at the heel. The insert includes a spring carrier having upper and lower portions, each having a plurality seats for receiving a respective ends of respective coil springs. Each of the springs extends between said upper and lower portions and is captured therebetween. A pair of opposed permanent magnets generates a separating force which supplements the supporting force of the mechanical springs. The insert may also contain a device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.