Multi-Biasing Cleat Assembly for Shock Absorption and 360° Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe cleat assemblies allow only axial movement of the cleat along a single degree of freedom, limiting their functionality and increasing the risk of soft tissue injuries due to restricted rotational and translational movement.
Innovation Solution
A cleat assembly with multiple biasing members, including a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and a second biasing member biasing the first, allowing for axial shock absorbance, rotational tilting, and 360° tilting, enhancing user direction change and minimizing muscle and joint stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single biasing member is used for axial movement, then axial shock absorbance is provided, but rotational and translational movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The single biasing member is divided into multiple biasing members (first biasing member and second biasing member) that work together. The first biasing member handles axial movement while the second biasing member enables rotational movement, segmenting the functions to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom movement without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional axial movement to three-dimensional movement by adding rotational capabilities. The second biasing member is positioned and configured to allow the cleat to rotate about the anchor, adding a rotational dimension to the previously linear axial movement.
2Reliability
If the cleat is fixed rigidly, then structural stability is maintained, but soft tissue injuries risk increases due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic system where the cleat can move axially and rotate. The biasing members provide controlled flexibility, allowing the cleat to adapt to movement demands while maintaining connection to the shoe, thereby preventing injuries without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members are pre-configured to provide cushioning and shock absorption before impacts occur. The first biasing member compresses during axial impacts and the second biasing member allows rotational cushioning, protecting the user's joints and soft tissues from sudden forces.
3Force
If axial movement is allowed, then shock absorbance is improved, but rotational release capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption function is segmented between two biasing members with different orientations and properties. The first biasing member is optimized for axial shock absorption while the second biasing member provides rotational release, allowing each component to specialize in one type of force management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat assembly becomes multi-functional by integrating both axial movement and rotational movement capabilities into a single system. The combination of two biasing members creates a universal connection that handles both linear and rotational forces, improving overall adaptability.
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 cleat assembly provides enhanced performance by reducing stress on muscles, joints, and ligaments, minimizing soft tissue injuries such as ACL or meniscus tears, and improving athletic performance through improved rotational and translational release.
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.