Multi-Axis Shoe Cleat Assembly for Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe cleat assemblies allow only axial movement along a single degree of freedom, limiting the cleat's ability to adapt to multiple directions, which can lead to increased stress and injury risk for athletes.
Innovation Solution
A cleat assembly with multiple biasing members that enable axial and rotational movement, incorporating an anchor, a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor, and a second biasing member providing additional biasing force, allowing for 360° tilting and rotational release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single biasing member is used for axial movement, then the structure is simple, but the cleat is limited to movement along a single degree of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing system is segmented into multiple independent biasing members, each responsible for different movement directions. The first biasing member handles axial movement while the second biasing member enables rotational movement, allowing the cleat to move along multiple degrees of freedom independently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional axial movement to multi-dimensional movement by adding a second biasing member that operates in a different dimensional plane (rotational axis), enabling the cleat to move not only axially but also rotate about the anchor
2Strength
If the cleat is fixed rigidly, then the structure is stable, but stress concentrates on muscles and joints during directional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members act as cushioning elements that absorb shock and reduce stress before it reaches the shoe-cleat connection and the athlete's body. The spring-like behavior of the biasing members provides predetermined stress absorption during sudden directional changes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces rigid fixation with dynamic, flexible connections through biasing members. The cleat assembly can dynamically adapt to loading conditions, allowing controlled movement and stress distribution rather than rigid stress concentration
3Reliability
If axial movement is permitted, then shock absorption is improved, but rotational adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two separate biasing members into a single integrated assembly, combining the shock absorption function (first biasing member) with the rotational adaptability function (second biasing member) to achieve both axial and rotational movement capabilities
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
Enhances athletic performance by minimizing muscle and joint stress and reducing the risk of soft tissue injuries such as ACL tears through improved cleat adaptability and shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and engaged with the cleat
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member biasing the first biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A cleat assembly for a shoe comprising an anchor for anchoring to the shoe, a cleat, a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and engaged with the cleat, and a second biasing member biasing the first biasing member. The second biasing member can directly engage the first biasing member or a bushing that circumscribes the anchor. So constructed, the cleat assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom. That is, the cleat assembly provides effective axial shock absorbance coupled with 360° tilting of the cleat for enhancing a user's ability to suddenly change direction when wearing a shoe equipped with the cleat assembly, thereby minimizing stress and impact on muscles, joints and ligaments and enhancing the performance of athletes wearing such shoes.