Footwear Midsole Arcuate Recess for Stability and Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear midsoles provide uniform cushioning and support for walking, running, and banking movements, which can be suboptimal for athletes requiring more stability and less cushioning during side-to-side movements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an arcuate upwardly-extending recess in the midsole with a closed cell polymer foam outer skin, exposed through an aperture in the outsole, to provide unique cushioning and support properties that adapt to different types of foot movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If uniform cushioning is provided throughout the midsole, then vertical impact absorption is improved, but stability during side-to-side banking movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is designed with different foam densities in different regions: a first foam material with higher density in the lateral and medial regions for stability during banking movements, and a second foam material with lower density in the central region for vertical impact absorption. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate cushioning and stability characteristics to each specific area of the midsole.
2Ease of operation
If more cushioning is provided in the midsole, then comfort during walking and running is improved, but stability during banking movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The central region of the midsole uses a softer foam material (lower density) to provide enhanced cushioning and comfort during weight-bearing activities like walking and running, while the lateral and medial regions use a firmer foam material (higher density) to maintain stability during side-to-side banking movements. This spatial differentiation of foam properties allows the midsole to simultaneously deliver comfort and stability in their respective functional zones.
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 arcuate recess design enhances support and stability during banking movements while maintaining adequate cushioning for vertical forces, optimizing footwear performance for various athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole is primarily formed from a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate, that extends throughout a length and width of the footwear
Implementation Method 2
In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., providing cushioning for the foot), the midsole may limit foot motions or impart stability
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear (10) may include an upper (20) and a sole structure (30) secured to the upper, the sole structure including a midsole (31) with an outsole (32) secured thereto, wherein one or more recesses (50;56) or cavities extend substantially into the midsole and are exposed through one or more apertures (40) in the outsole. These recesses or cavities provide unique cushioning and support properties, particularly during "banking" (e.g., leaning to one side or pushing off to the side from the medial (15) or lateral side (14) of the foot). The recesses or cavities provide the structural benefits of dome or arch shapes that are formed in the midsole and open to the underside.