Multi-durometer Golf Sole Inducing Pronation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current footwear soles do not effectively induce foot pronation during a golf swing, which is essential for maximizing distance and accuracy in golf shots, requiring additional training and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-durometer sole structure with varying hardness segments made of different materials along the forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions, designed to induce foot pronation by providing a graduated hardness from the medial to the lateral edge, using segments with specific Shore C hardness ratings and materials like EDPM rubber and NBR, and featuring obliquely angled protrusions and transitional edges to support proper foot alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-durometer sole structure is used, then the sole provides uniform cushioning and durability, but it cannot effectively induce foot pronation during a golf swing
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple body segments (first body segment, second body segment, third body segment) with different durometer hardness values. Each segment is positioned in specific regions (forefoot, midfoot, heel) to create a graduated hardness profile that induces foot pronation during the golf swing follow-through, while maintaining structural integrity through interconnected design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are assigned different material hardness properties. The forefoot region uses softer material (20-40 Shore C) to allow pronation movement, while the heel region uses harder material (50-70 Shore C) for stability. This local differentiation of material properties enables targeted foot pronation induction without requiring complete structural redesign
2Ease of operation
If training is required to induce foot pronation, then proper foot alignment can be achieved, but it requires additional time and effort for training
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-durometer sole structure automatically provides foot pronation induction through its inherent hardness gradient design. During the golf swing follow-through, the softer forefoot region naturally allows and encourages pronation movement while the harder heel region maintains stability, eliminating the need for external training or feedback mechanisms to achieve proper foot alignment
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 multi-durometer sole structure effectively induces foot pronation by providing a training feedback mechanism that aids in maximizing energy transfer from the club to the ball, enhancing golf swing performance by facilitating proper foot alignment and weight transfer during the swing.
Implementation Method 1
The first, second, and third body segments are made of different materials having three different hardnesses, respectively. As such, the total hardness of the sole structure body varies from the medial edge to the lateral edge in order to induce foot pronation during a golf swing.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-durometer sole structure includes a sole structure body including a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the heel region and the forefoot region, a medial edge, and a lateral edge opposite the medial edge. The sole structure body further includes a first body segment extending along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, a second body segment extending along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and a third body segment extending along midfoot region and the heel region. The first, second, and third body segments are made of different materials having three different hardnesses, respectively, such that a total hardness of the sole structure body varies from the medial edge to the lateral edge.