Elastomeric Membrane Midsole for Impact Force Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles, while providing cushioning and traction, face challenges in effectively attenuating impact forces and enhancing transition and lateral cutting movements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastomeric membrane within the midsole, secured by a groove and upper member, which absorbs and attenuates impact forces through deformation, and features notches and apertures for enhanced flexibility and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional polymer foam materials are used in the midsole, then cushioning and energy absorption are provided, but impact force attenuation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer foam material with an elastomeric membrane to create a composite midsole structure. The membrane integrates with the foam material to work cooperatively, providing enhanced impact force attenuation while maintaining cushioning effectiveness. This composite approach allows the membrane to distribute and attenuate forces that the foam alone cannot adequately handle.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric membrane is incorporated into the midsole structure to provide additional cushioning and force attenuation. The flexible membrane deforms under impact loads, absorbing energy and reducing peak forces transmitted to the foot. The membrane's elastic properties complement the foam material's compression characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the midsole structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but transition and lateral cutting movement enhancement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into distinct functional zones: a polymer foam material providing base cushioning, an elastomeric membrane for force attenuation, and strategically placed notches for flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Notches are strategically positioned in the midsole to provide localized flexibility enhancement. These notches create specific zones of increased compliance that facilitate toe-off transitions and lateral cutting movements without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire midsole.
3Force
If the membrane is added to the midsole, then impact attenuation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric membrane is merged with the polymer foam material in a integrated midsole construction. The membrane is positioned within the foam material and they work cooperatively as a unified cushioning system. This merging approach provides enhanced force attenuation without requiring separate, complex assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric membrane serves multiple functions: it attenuates impact forces, provides additional cushioning, and works cooperatively with the foam material to enhance overall midsole performance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 membrane enhances impact attenuation, improves heel-to-toe transition, and promotes effective lateral cutting movements by distributing force and providing additional cushioning.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane is received in the groove and extends across the cavity... which absorbs and attenuates impact forces through deformation
Implementation Method 2
An elastomeric membrane has a plurality of apertures proximate a peripheral edge of the membrane
Implementation Method 3
The compression of the foam is affected by hysteresis loss, and deflection of such systems is affected by the volume of the compressed mass of the midsole
Implementation Method 4
The midsole is the primary sole structure element that imparts cushioning and controls foot motions... compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly including a midsole. A cavity is formed in the midsole and has a cavity wall, with a groove formed in the cavity wall. A membrane is received in the groove and extends across the cavity. An upper member is secured to an upper surface of the midsole, with a portion of the upper member extending across the cavity.