Medial Rotational Traction Element Arrangement for Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current footwear traction systems lack effective arrangements for enhanced rotational and transverse movement, leading to reduced mobility and traction on various ground surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a medial rotational traction element arrangement on the sole structure, featuring a combination of lateral and medial traction elements with distinct shapes and orientations, including raised rings and stud elements, to enhance ground interaction and mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional traction elements are used, then basic traction is provided, but rotational and transverse movement capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational and transverse movement capabilitiesVSAvoidtraction stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traction element is divided into multiple stud elements (first, second, third, and fourth studs) arranged in a circular pattern around a central axis. Each stud can be independently positioned at different heights, allowing the surface to segment and adapt to various movement directions including rotational and transverse movements while maintaining stable traction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traction element incorporates movable studs that can be adjusted to different heights along their respective axes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the surface to adapt its configuration based on the direction and type of movement required, enhancing both rotational/transverse movement capabilities and traction stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If uniform traction elements are used across the sole, then manufacturing is simplified, but performance for specific sports and positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction element uniformityVSAvoidperformance for specific sports and positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different studs in the circular arrangement can be positioned at different heights and orientations, creating local variations in the traction surface. This allows the sole to provide optimized performance for specific sports and positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The studs are arranged asymmetrically around the central axis with different heights and orientations, breaking the uniformity to create direction-specific traction characteristics. This asymmetric configuration enhances performance for specific sports and positions while still being manufacturable using standard processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If simple traction elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but traction effectiveness on various ground surfaces is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction element structureVSAvoidtraction effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stud elements are nested within a circular arrangement around a central axis, with each stud potentially containing internal adjustment mechanisms. This nested configuration allows complex functionality to be achieved within a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The traction element utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing studs to be positioned at different heights along their axes, adding a third dimension to the traction surface. This dimensional complexity enhances traction effectiveness on various ground surfaces without requiring a proportionally complex overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This arrangement significantly improves rotational and transverse movement capabilities by providing increased traction and stability across different surfaces, catering to specific sports and positions, thereby enhancing overall footwear performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first group of traction elements disposed on a lateral side of the sole structure and a second group of traction elements disposed on a medial side of the sole structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

each medial rotational cleat comprising a plurality of stud elements extending away from the bottom surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS11259601B2Medial rotational traction element arrangement for an article of footwear

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 NIKE INC

AI summary

A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements of a first group are associated with a lateral side of the sole structure. Traction elements of a second group are associated with a medial side of the sole structure. Traction elements of the second group include medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping. Stud elements may be aligned laterally across the sole structure with traction elements of the first group. Stud elements may be aligned longitudinally across the sole structure to be arranged in different configurations along an outside medial side or an inside medial side.