Modular Shoe Sole with Interlocking Damping Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoes fail to adapt to individual needs regarding spring and damping behavior and have inconsistent properties over time, with challenges in recycling and waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A modular sole design featuring interlocking damping elements with press-fit connections allows for customizable damping properties and easy disassembly, using plastic materials with varying hardness levels, enabling the shoe upper to be connected via form-fit or plug-in connections without adhesives, facilitating recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular sole design with plug-in connections is used, then adaptability to individual needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple independent parts (first sole part, second sole part, connection part) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each part contains specific damping elements or connection structures, allowing individual replacement and customization without affecting the entire shoe.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in connection design serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable damping characteristics, enables easy assembly and disassembly, allows for customization of spring and damping behavior, and facilitates recycling. The standardized connection interface can accommodate different damping element configurations.
2Ease of repair
If adhesive-free form-fit connections are used, then ease of repair and recycling is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part contains multiple plug-in connections with plug connectors that are precisely formed during injection molding. These segmented connection points allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining strong mechanical bonds through press-fit engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces adhesive bonding and mechanical fasteners with a purely mechanical press-fit system. The plug connectors are inserted into corresponding hollow-cylindrical sections, creating friction-based permanent connections that can be separated by applying axial force, eliminating the need for chemicals or complex fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If hollow-cylindrical damping elements with press-fit connections are used, then durability and resistance to permanent deformation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping elements are designed with hollow-cylindrical geometry and specific wall thicknesses that optimize their mechanical properties. The first and second sole parts use different material hardness levels to achieve desired damping characteristics while resisting permanent deformation under repeated loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: the first sole part uses a harder material for structural support, while the second sole part uses a softer material for cushioning. The connection part integrates these through precisely molded plug-in connections, creating a composite structure that balances durability and comfort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If plastic materials with varying hardness levels are used, then adaptability of damping properties is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes plastic materials with different Shore hardness values for the first and second sole parts. The harder first sole part provides structural integrity, while the softer second sole part offers enhanced cushioning. This material parameter variation allows customization of damping properties without changing the basic mold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole assembly combines multiple plastic materials with different hardness levels in a single integrated design. The connection part is molded to accommodate both material types, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of each material while maintaining manufacturability through standardized injection molding processes.
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 modular sole design enhances adaptability and durability, reduces permanent deformation, and allows for easy separation and recycling of components, improving springing kinematics and pressure distribution while eliminating the need for gluing or sewing.
Implementation Method 1
the first plug connection is designed for frictionally dipping or engaging into the hollow-cylindrical section of the first damping element
Implementation Method 2
the second plug connection is designed for dipping or frictionally engaging into the hollow-cylindrical section of the second damping element
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of first damping elements which extend in a direction of loading are integrally shaped at the ground plate
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe having a sole connected with a shoe upper part. The sole includes: a first sole part having a ground plate, wherein a plurality of first damping elements which extend in a direction of loading are integrally shaped at the ground plate, a second sole part having a cover plate, wherein a plurality of second damping elements which extend in the direction of loading are integrally shaped at the cover plate, a connection part which includes a plurality of interconnected plugin connections. Each plug-in connection has a first plug connector extending downwards in the direction of loading and a second plug connector extending upwards in the direction of loading. The first plug connection frictionally engages into the hollow-cylindrical section of the first damping element and wherein the second plug connection frictionally engages into the hollow-cylindrical section of the second damping element.