Shoe Mid-sole With Compressible Protrusions for Anatomical Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoe mid-soles made of expanded polyurethane (EP) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) lack anatomical adaptation, leading to discomfort, especially for users with overpronation or excessive supination, and suffer from reduced shock absorption and elastic return over time due to material characteristics and the use of compressible pads.

Innovation Solution

A mid-sole design featuring elastically compressible protrusions with blind cavities and a stepped frustum shape that adapt to the foot's shape, providing progressive cushioning and elastic yield, maintaining performance over time and accommodating anatomical variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mid-sole materials (EP or EVA) with single rigidity level are used, then shock absorption and elastic return functions are provided, but anatomical adaptation is slow and insufficient, causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical adaptationVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mid-sole is divided into multiple zones with different rigidity levels: a first portion with first rigidity and a second portion with second rigidity. This local differentiation allows the mid-sole to provide both shock absorption in softer zones and structural support in firmer zones, enabling better anatomical adaptation while maintaining comfort and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If rigid supporting elements are inserted in the medial wall to address overpronation or supination, then structural support is improved, but anatomical adaptation is lost as elements do not conform to foot shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidanatomical adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting rigid elements that prevent adaptation, the patent creates a second portion of the mid-sole with different rigidity that is integrally formed and anatomically contoured. This provides structural support for overpronation or supination correction while maintaining the ability to conform to the user's foot shape, eliminating the trade-off between support and adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If pads containing air or gel are added to lighten and cushion the mid-sole, then impact absorption is increased, but cushioning and elastic return are lost over time due to deflation and material degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidperformance durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses foam material with controlled density and rigidity parameters in the second portion of the mid-sole. By adjusting the foam's physical parameters (density, cell structure, rigidity), the design achieves durable impact absorption without relying on air or gel pads that can deflate. The foam maintains its cushioning and elastic return properties over time, solving the durability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the mid-sole is made with single rigidity level throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but performance is insufficient for users with overpronation or supination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidperformance for pronation/supination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mid-sole is manufactured as a single piece with a first portion and second portion having different rigidity levels. The second portion uses foam material with different density or cell structure than the first portion, creating local property differentiation. This can be achieved through co-molding or layered manufacturing processes, maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity while providing the performance needed for overpronation or supination correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 mid-sole effectively adapts to the foot's shape, ensuring consistent cushioning and thrust capabilities, reducing the risk of injuries and maintaining performance even for users with overpronation or supination issues.

Implementation Method 1

elastically compressible protrusions with blind cavities and a stepped frustum shape that adapt to the foot's shape, providing progressive cushioning and elastic yield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastically compressible protrusions... providing progressive cushioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

elastic yield for transferring loads from the heel to the toes, and flexibility for the thrust phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS11684116B2Mid-sole for shoes

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 DIADORA INVICTA SPA

AI summary

A mid-sole for shoes includes a body on which there is a lower portion for joining to a tread and an upper portion for supporting an insole. The upper portion includes a plurality of elastically compressible protrusions that protrude toward the outside of the body from a bottom surface of the upper portion.