Sport Shoe Midsole Tilting Slits for Lateral Flex and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sport shoe cushioning systems fail to provide adequate flexibility and stability for lateral and medial movements, leading to inefficiencies in force transmission and increased risk of foot injuries during activities like cross-fit and gymnastics.
Innovation Solution
A midsole design with horizontal tilting slits and a support mechanism that allows for flexible lateral and medial movements while maintaining stability, featuring a top layer and base layer with tiltable blocks and an elastic plate for enhanced cushioning and force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cushioning systems are made more flexible to improve comfort and adaptability, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but stability deteriorates leading to instabilities in medial and lateral directions
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into multiple independent tiltable blocks separated by horizontal tilting slits. Each block can tilt independently relative to adjacent blocks, allowing the midsole to adapt to lateral and medial forces while maintaining overall structural stability through the segmented architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where blocks can tilt relative to each other. The horizontal tilting slits enable controlled movement and adaptation to applied forces, allowing the cushioning system to respond dynamically to lateral and medial stresses during athletic movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cushioning systems are made more flexible to allow lateral and medial movements, then adaptability improves, but force transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into discrete tiltable blocks that can move independently. This segmentation allows each block to absorb and redirect forces efficiently while maintaining the ability to transmit propulsive forces effectively during athletic movements such as jumps and sprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic tilting capability of each block allows the midsole to optimize force transmission pathways in real-time. During propulsive movements, the blocks can align to facilitate efficient force transmission, while during lateral movements, they can tilt to provide flexibility without compromising overall force transmission efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cushioning systems are used to provide stability, then stability improves, but flexibility for side step movements and splits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the midsole into multiple tiltable blocks, the system achieves both stability and flexibility. The segmented structure provides stable support during weight-bearing activities while allowing necessary flexibility for side step movements and splits through the independent tilting capability of each block.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic tilting mechanism allows the midsole to provide stable support during normal weight-bearing activities while enabling flexible movement during lateral and rotational motions. The blocks remain stable relative to each other during propulsive movements but can tilt freely during flexibility-required movements.
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 design enhances flexibility and stability, improving wearing comfort and efficient force transmission during side steps and splits, reducing the risk of foot injuries.
Implementation Method 1
Each horizontal tilting slit is configured to tilt the corresponding midsole top portion, i.e. the midsole top portion above this horizontal tilting slit, with respect to the corresponding midsole base portion
Implementation Method 2
The midsole comprises a forefoot area, a heel area and midfoot area... The top layer and the base layer typically delimit the midsole in the vertical direction
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a midsole (10) for a sport shoe, the midsole (10) comprising: a forefoot area (FA), a heel area (HA) and a midfoot area (MA) being arranged between the forefoot area (FA) and the heel area (HA); a top layer (101) and an opposing base layer (102); a heel edge (103) and a midsole tip (104), wherein a longitudinal direction (LO) of the midsole (10) extends from the heel edge (103) to the midsole tip (104); one or more horizontal tilting slits (105) being arranged on a medial side and/or on a lateral side of the midsole (1), wherein the one or more horizontal tilting slits (105) horizontally divide the midsole (1) in a midsole top portion (106) and a midsole base portion (107), wherein each horizontal tilting slit (105) is configured to tilt the midsole top portion (106) with respect to the midsole base portion (107).