3D Mesh Footwear Sole for Localized Arch Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear designs, particularly recovery sandals, lack sufficient variability in deformability across different parts of the sole, failing to adequately support foot arches and prevent heel collapse during intense physical activities.

Innovation Solution

A sole portion with a shock absorbing portion formed from a three-dimensional mesh structure incorporating irregularly shaped protruding plate portions embedded within the mesh, providing localized differences in deformability to support specific foot arches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a three-dimensional mesh structure body is used for the shock absorbing portion, then deformability is improved, but the difference in deformability between parts is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedeformabilityVSAvoiddifference in deformability between parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating irregularly shaped portions with protruding plate structures into specific regions of the three-dimensional mesh structure. These irregular portions are strategically placed in areas requiring enhanced support (such as foot arch regions), creating localized variations in deformability. The regular mesh structure maintains overall shock absorption, while the irregular portions provide targeted support characteristics, resolving the contradiction between general deformability and localized deformability differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If irregularly shaped portions with protruding plate portions are embedded in the mesh structure, then support for foot arch is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for foot archVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the nesting principle by embedding irregularly shaped portions directly within the three-dimensional mesh structure. The protruding plate portions are integrated into the mesh framework, with the irregular portions nested within the cellular structure. This nesting approach allows the complex support function to be achieved without adding separate external components, as the irregular portions are contained within and become part of the overall mesh structure, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the sole portion is designed with high deformability for shock absorption, then comfort during intense activity is improved, but weight may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during intense activityVSAvoidweight of sole portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes porous materials by employing a three-dimensional mesh structure as the base framework for the shock absorbing portion. This mesh structure inherently provides high porosity, allowing significant weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity. The irregularly shaped portions are integrated into this porous framework, enabling the sole to achieve high deformability and comfort during intense activity without requiring additional dense materials, thus maintaining low weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

Enhances shock absorption and support for foot arches, maintaining comfort and performance during high-intensity activities while minimizing weight and maintaining air permeability.

Implementation Method 1

The shock absorbing portion includes a three-dimensional mesh structure portion in which a plurality of unit structures are repeatedly arranged so as to be adjacent to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12490802B2Footwear
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 ASICS CORP
  • US12490802B2 patent drawing
  • US12490802B2 patent drawing
  • US12490802B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Footwear includes a sole portion that supports a foot sole of a foot of a wearer, the sole portion including a ground contact surface and a shock absorbing portion formed of an elastic body. The shock absorbing portion includes a three-dimensional mesh structure portion in which a plurality of unit structures are repeatedly arranged so as to be adjacent to each other and an irregularly shaped portion that has a different shape from each of the unit structures and is at least partially embedded in the three-dimensional mesh structure portion. The irregularly shaped portion includes a protruding plate portion in which a central portion protrudes relative to a peripheral edge portion in a direction orthogonal to the ground contact surface.