Segmented Midsole for Foot Pressure Dispersion

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoes restrict natural foot movement, leading to excessive pressure on the midfoot and metatarsal bones, causing discomfort and inefficiency in walking, and existing solutions either lack durability or stability.

Innovation Solution

A midsole with a midfoot support and bridge part designed to disperse pressure, featuring a midfoot support protruding upwardly and a bridge part with three components to support metatarsal bones and joints, made of elastic material for improved flexibility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hard outer sole is used to provide durability, then the shoe structure strength is improved, but the natural foot movement is restricted and pressure on metatarsal bones increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter sole durabilityVSAvoidfoot movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer sole is divided into multiple regions with different hardness levels: a harder rear portion for durability and impact resistance, and a softer front portion for flexibility and natural foot movement. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the outer sole are assigned different material properties (hardness) according to their functional requirements. The rear sole maintains higher hardness for structural support and durability, while the front sole uses softer material to accommodate natural foot deformation and reduce pressure on metatarsal bones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the outer sole is made soft to improve flexibility, then foot movement freedom is improved, but the durability and stability of the shoe deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot movement freedomVSAvoidouter sole durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer sole is divided into multiple regions with different hardness levels: a harder rear portion for durability and impact resistance, and a softer front portion for flexibility and natural foot movement. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the outer sole are assigned different material properties (hardness) according to their functional requirements. The rear sole maintains higher hardness for structural support and durability, while the front sole uses softer material to accommodate natural foot deformation and reduce pressure on metatarsal bones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If the heel is raised excessively during walking to achieve plantar flexion, then the elasticity accumulation is improved, but the pressure on midfoot and metatarsal bones increases causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelasticity accumulationVSAvoidpressure on foot bones

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The midsole is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled heel elevation and foot deformation during the walking cycle. The elastic material properties enable the midsole to adapt to natural foot movement patterns, accumulating elasticity through controlled plantar flexion while distributing pressure to prevent discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The midsole material properties are specifically selected to optimize the balance between elasticity accumulation and pressure distribution. The elastic modulus and damping characteristics are tuned to allow sufficient heel raise for energy storage while limiting excessive pressure on midfoot and metatarsal bones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 midsole reduces toe pain, enhances walking efficiency, and prevents discomfort by naturally aligning the foot during walking, dispersing pressure and allowing for more efficient movement.

Implementation Method 1

a bridge part (300) insertedly mounted into a bridge groove (190) formed on the center of the underside of the midsole (100) and having three components so as to support the metatarsal bones and the joints between the metatarsal bones and phalanges of the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a midfoot support disposed protruding upwardly from the top of the center of a midsole to support the midfoot of the foot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10433615B2Sole for dispersing pressure of midfoot and metatarsal bones and shoe having same

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 IN SIK PARK

AI summary

The present invention relates to a midsole for dispersing the pressure of the mesopodium and the metatarsal bones, and a shoe having the same, the midsole having, installed in a metatarsal bone portion and mesopodium portion of the central upper part thereof, a midfoot support for receiving an inner sole, which protrudes upwardly so as to support the mesopodium, and having a bridge groove formed in a metatarsal bone portion of the lower part thereof, wherein the bridge groove consists of three components, and has been improved so as to be capable of supporting joints between the metatarsal bone body and basal tarsus metatarsal bones.