Footwear Midsole Indented Plate for Force Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles lack optimal ground reaction force attenuation and foot motion control, particularly in heel regions, due to their uniform material distribution and lack of independent deflection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The footwear design incorporates a midsole with a void in the heel region containing support elements and a plate with indentations that allow for independent deflection of these elements, enhancing ground reaction force attenuation and foot stability by decoupling the deflection of support elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional uniform midsole structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but ground reaction force attenuation and foot motion control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple functional zones: a void region in the heel, support elements (cylindrical posts) positioned within the void, and a plate with indentations. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the void provides space for independent deflection, the support elements provide localized cushioning, and the plate provides structural integrity while allowing controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole structure implements local quality by concentrating support elements and void spaces in the heel region where ground reaction forces are highest during impact. The plate has indentations that create varying thickness zones, providing different levels of cushioning and support at different locations. This localized optimization improves force attenuation without requiring complex structures throughout the entire midsole.
2Strength
If support elements are closely spaced, then structural support is improved, but independent deflection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate acts as an intermediary element between the support elements and the rest of the midsole structure. The indentations in the plate create separation zones that allow adjacent support elements to deflect independently while maintaining overall structural support. The plate mediates between the need for structural integrity and the need for independent element movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is segmented with indentations that divide it into separate zones, each associated with a support element. This segmentation allows each support element to deflect independently within its own zone while the overall plate structure maintains structural support. The indentations create physical and functional separation between closely spaced support elements.
3Reliability
If midsole material density is increased, then ground reaction force attenuation is improved, but shoe mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole incorporates a void (empty space) in the heel region, creating a porous or hollow structure. This void reduces the amount of material needed and decreases shoe mass, while the support elements and plate structure provide the necessary ground reaction force attenuation. The void allows for independent deflection of support elements without requiring dense material throughout the entire midsole volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole uses a composite structure combining different materials and configurations: a plate material (possibly rigid or semi-rigid), support elements (which may be made of cushioning material), and void spaces. This composite approach allows optimization of each component for its specific function while minimizing overall mass. The combination provides effective force attenuation without requiring uniformly dense material.
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
This configuration improves athletic performance by allowing for customized deflection and compression of support elements, reducing overall shoe mass and enhancing stability and comfort during various athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The support elements are located within the void and extend between the upper surface and the lower surface. The plate extends under the support elements and defines a plurality of indentations extending inward from an edge of the plate. Each of the indentations extends between two of the support elements, and each of the indentations has a depth that is in a range of one-eighth to one-half of a width of the plate.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.