Footwear Midsole Embroidered Textile Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic footwear lacks enhanced comfort and performance capabilities, particularly in terms of midsole design, which can be improved for better cushioning and durability.
Innovation Solution
A midsole with an embroidered textile element is integrated into the footwear, where the embroidered structure, comprising crossing yarns forming an open mesh grid pattern, is partially embedded in a polymer material during a molding process to enhance the midsole's exterior surface, providing improved performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional materials are used for midsole construction, then durability is maintained, but comfort and performance capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymer material with embroidered textile structure to create a composite midsole that integrates the durability of polymers with the comfort and performance benefits of textile elements. The embroidered structure becomes an integral part of the midsole, providing enhanced functionality while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the embroidered structure is fully embedded in the polymer material, then structural support is improved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The embroidered structure is partially embedded in the polymer material, with different portions having different degrees of embedding. This allows the midsole to have varying properties in different regions: areas with full embedding provide structural support, while areas with partial or no embedding maintain aesthetic visibility and design appeal.
3Shape
If the embroidered structure is not embedded in the polymer material, then aesthetic appeal is maintained, but structural support and integration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the embroidered textile structure with the polymer midsole material through partial embedding during the molding process. This combination creates a unified structure where the textile elements are integrated into the polymer matrix, providing both aesthetic value and structural functionality simultaneously.
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 integration of the embroidered textile element into the midsole enhances comfort and performance by providing increased stiffness or flexibility, depending on stitch density, and improves the shoe's structural support and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer material is subjected to a selected temperature within the mold to form a midsole including the embroidered structure partially embedded in and extending along an exterior surface portion of the midsole.
Data Source
AI summary
A midsole for an article of footwear includes an embroidered structure partially embedded in an exterior surface portion of the midsole. A method of forming the midsole includes combining the embroidered structure with a polymer material in a molding process to form the midsole.