Nested Spring Damping System for Footwear Rebound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current damping systems for footwear are bulky, limited to specialized shoes, and lack comfort and durability, with performance issues due to rigid materials and the use of spring blades that lose power upon maximum compression.
Innovation Solution
A compact damping system featuring a rigid support and curved leaf springs with a nested second leaf spring design, allowing efficient deformation and maintaining rebound power, integrated into footwear for improved comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring blade is used in a damping system, then shock absorption and rebound propulsion are achieved, but the spring blade loses restoring force when highly compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a second spring blade inside the curvature of the first spring blade. The second spring blade is positioned within the space defined by the first spring blade's arc, creating a compact nested structure where both elements work together to provide damping while maintaining restoring force during compression
2Power
If longitudinal elastic reinforcement is added to compensate for power loss, then restoring force is improved, but the system becomes more complex and has limited lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring blade by introducing a curved shape with specific radius and thickness ratios. This parameter optimization allows the spring blade to maintain adequate restoring force throughout compression while avoiding the need for additional reinforcement elements, thus reducing system complexity
3Force
If rigid materials are used in specialized shoes, then damping forces are controlled, but user comfort and adaptability are greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the spring blade elements rigid to provide controlled damping forces, while the rest of the shoe structure can remain flexible and adaptive. The rigid spring blades are localized components embedded within a otherwise adaptable footwear system, allowing force control where needed while maintaining comfort elsewhere
4Ease of operation
If the damping system is integrated into footwear, then comfort and performance are improved, but the system becomes bulky and limited to specialized shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system volume by nesting the second spring blade within the curvature of the first spring blade. This nested configuration allows both damping elements to be integrated into a compact structure that fits within the footwear without adding significant bulk, enabling comfort improvement while maintaining a space-efficient design
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 system provides enhanced comfort and performance by maintaining rebound power during maximum compression, offering a durable and lightweight solution for daily use in various activities.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring blade having a curved shape between said ends... the deformation of the first spring blade by increasing or decreasing the bend generating an opposite restoring force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a damping system (100) for an article comprising a rigid support (110) having at least one face, called the receiving face, extending along a plane, a first spring blade (120) having a first end (121) and a second end (122), first means for assembling said first end (121) with said support (110), said first spring blade (120) extending along said support (110) along a convex trajectory so that said second end (122) is in contact with said receiving face and able to move in said plane during the compression and/or relaxation of said first spring blade (120), and a second spring blade (123) disposed between said first spring blade (120) and said support (110), said second spring blade (123) extending along said support (110) along a concave trajectory.