Shoe Midsole Foam with Hydrocarbon Oil for Compression Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foam cushions in shoes with low hardness suffer from excessive compression set and inadequate recovery from compressive deformation, leading to reduced cushioning performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A shoe midsole composed of a polymer composition including a hydrocarbon-based oil with ethylene and α-olefin as constituent units, combined with polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer, and styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, which enhances cushioning properties and reduces compression set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the foam is made with low hardness to improve cushioning properties, then the cushioning performance is improved, but the compression set becomes excessively high and recovery from compressive deformation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the foam by incorporating specific hydrocarbon-based oils (paraffin oil, naphthenic oil, or aromatic hydrocarbon oil) in controlled amounts (5-50 mass%) within the polymer composition. This parameter change allows the foam to achieve low hardness for good cushioning while maintaining adequate compression set resistance through the synergistic effect of the oil-polymer combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite foam material by combining polymer base materials (such as EVA, POE, OBC, or TPS) with hydrocarbon-based oils. This composite structure allows the foam to exhibit both the softness needed for cushioning and the structural integrity required for recovery, as the oil acts as a plasticizer that modifies the polymer matrix properties without compromising the overall foam architecture.
2Strength
If the foam hardness is reduced to enhance cushioning performance, then the cushioning properties are improved, but the compression set increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the composition parameters by incorporating hydrocarbon-based oils in specific quantities (5-50 mass%) into the polymer matrix. This parameter adjustment enables the foam to achieve the desired low hardness for cushioning while the oil-polymer interaction maintains compositional stability and controls compression set within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention develops a composite foam system where hydrocarbon-based oils are integrated with polymer materials (EVA, POE, OBC, or TPS). The composite structure creates a balanced material system where the oil provides softness and the polymer framework maintains structural stability, thereby achieving both good cushioning properties and controlled compression set.
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 solution provides a midsole with improved cushioning performance and recovery from compressive deformation, maintaining excellent cushioning characteristics over a long period.
Implementation Method 1
the foam is composed of a hydrocarbon-based oil including ethylene and α-olefin as constituent units, and a polymer composition including one or a plurality of polymers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cushion partially or entirely composed of a foam, wherein the foam is composed of: a hydrocarbon-based oil including ethylene and α-olefin as constituent units; and a polymer composition including one or a plurality of polymers.