Modular Footwear Plate Assembly for Replaceable Sole Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoes with integrated sole plates cannot be easily replaced, necessitating the purchase of a new shoe when the plates wear out or lose elasticity, leading to a lack of customization and increased waste.

Innovation Solution

A modular plate system for footwear that allows removable and interchangeable plates within a cavity in the midsole, featuring indicators for wear condition and compatibility with digital platforms for replacement guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plates are integrated into the sole structure, then stability and support are improved, but replaceability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidreplaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure is divided into separable components: the sole body and the plate are distinct parts that can be assembled and disassembled. The plate is inserted into a cavity within the sole structure, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently while maintaining the stability function when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If plates are made replaceable, then customization and waste reduction are improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is nested within a cavity in the sole structure, with the cavity positioned to receive the plate in a contained space. This nesting arrangement allows for easy insertion and removal of the plate while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12557874B2Article of footwear having a modular plate system
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 PUMA SE
  • US12557874B2 patent drawing
  • US12557874B2 patent drawing
  • US12557874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An article of footwear that has an upper attached to a sole structure. The sole structure includes a midsole that is positioned between an insole and an outsole. The article of footwear also includes a plate that is removably received within a cavity formed within the midsole. The insole is configured to cover the plate within the cavity. The plate includes a reinforcing member that comprises carbon fiber.