Footwear Midsole Support Pillars for Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear midsoles lack sufficient support and customization to enhance performance and comfort, particularly in controlling foot motions and providing targeted cushioning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of support pillars formed by a fluid-filled bag and cushioning material within the midsole, where the fluid-filled bag is created using a molding process and covered with cushioning material to form pillars that provide additional support and cushioning, allowing for customization of shape, size, and location to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymer foam materials are used for the midsole, then the midsole provides basic cushioning through resilient compression, but the support and control of foot motions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple functional zones by inserting discrete support pillars at specific locations. These pillars divide the continuous foam material into distinct regions with different mechanical properties, providing targeted support in heel, midfoot, and forefoot areas while maintaining the overall cushioning function of the foam material.
Solution Approach 2:
Support pillars are strategically positioned at specific locations within the midsole where additional support is needed, such as the heel and arch areas. This creates local variations in stiffness and support characteristics, allowing the midsole to provide enhanced control in critical regions while maintaining comfort in other areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform cushioning material is used throughout the midsole, then manufacturing is simple, but customization for different foot shapes and activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support pillars are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently positioned within the midsole. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment of pillar location, size, and density to customize the midsole for different foot shapes and athletic activities without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration of support pillars can be dynamically adjusted based on specific needs - the number, position, and dimensions of pillars can be varied to create different support patterns for different activities or foot types, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach.
3Reliability
If additional support elements are added to the midsole, then support and control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole combines two distinct materials with complementary properties: resilient polymer foam for general cushioning and rigid support pillars for structural control. This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials - the foam provides comfort and shock absorption while the pillars provide stability and motion control - without requiring overly complex design.
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 support pillars enhance the overall support, comfort, and performance of the footwear by providing targeted cushioning and improved control of foot motions, allowing for tailored solutions based on specific activities or foot shapes.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer foam materials of the midsole may also absorb energy when compressed during ambulatory activities
Implementation Method 2
Suitable polymer foam materials for the midsole include ethylvinylacetate or polyurethane that compress resiliently under an applied load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer.