Soft-Elastic Running Shoe Midsole Channels for Horizontal Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running shoe soles fail to provide adequate horizontal cushioning, leading to increased stress on the knees and hips, particularly on inclined routes, and often suffer from high weight and reduced durability due to material fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A sole with a soft-elastic midsole featuring transverse channels in multiple horizontal planes, allowing for hierarchical cushioning and improved durability by minimizing segmentation and using channels with varying deformability based on force direction and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pronounced cushioning is provided in the heel area, then vertical cushioning is improved, but the overall weight of the shoe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple independent horizontal planes (first plane closer to ground, second plane closer to insole), each containing channels that can deform independently. This segmentation allows distributed cushioning across different levels rather than concentrating mass in one heavy heel structure, reducing overall weight while maintaining vertical cushioning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-plane cushioning to multi-plane three-dimensional channel structures. Channels are arranged in at least two horizontal planes offset from each other vertically, creating a hierarchical cushioning system that provides comprehensive force absorption without requiring excessive material mass in any single location.
2Reliability
If traditional cushioning materials are used, then cushioning effect is provided, but durability decreases due to material fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structures are designed to deform dynamically under load and recover elastically when force is removed. The channels can be compressed vertically and/or sheared horizontally, then return to their original configuration, avoiding the permanent deformation and fatigue that plague traditional cushioning materials over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and deformation characteristics of the cushioning structure by using deformable channels with specific geometric configurations. These channels can undergo reversible vertical compression and horizontal shearing, fundamentally altering how cushioning forces are absorbed and dissipated compared to traditional foam materials, thereby extending service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If segmented cushioning elements are used, then localized cushioning is achieved, but the overall cushioning effect is reduced due to non-cushioned areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple channel structures across different horizontal planes into a unified midsole system. The channels in the first and second planes work together as an integrated hierarchical cushioning system, eliminating non-cushioned gaps between segmented elements and providing continuous force distribution across the entire midsole structure.
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 overall cushioning effect, reduces weight, and extends durability by ensuring consistent cushioning across the sole, providing improved comfort and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the field of footwear technology, in particular, for sports and leisure footwear, and concerns a sole for a running shoe
Implementation Method 2
the channels are vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction deformable until their closure under the action of forces occurring during running acting vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sole for a running shoe with a soft-elastic midsole (1) includes an underside (2) at least partially contacting the ground (B) during running and comprises a plurality of channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) extending in the transverse direction (Q). The channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are arranged in a lateral area of the midsole (1) in at least a first and a second in horizontal plane, wherein the first and second horizontal plane are vertically offset from each other, and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are each delimited in longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall and a rear wall. The channels (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c) are vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) deformable until their closure under the action of forces occurring during running acting vertically (V) and/or longitudinally.