Outsole with Direction-Dependent Element Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current running shoes with elastic outsoles are not adequately compliant in the horizontal direction, leading to instability and loss of ground contact during running, as they are relatively rigid in tangential deformation, which affects different running styles and loading patterns.
Innovation Solution
The outsole design features two groups of elements with different deformation forces, where the first group requires more force for vertical and less force for horizontal deformation, allowing optimal adaptation to various running styles by arranging elements in specific regions based on loading patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outsole is designed to be compliant in the horizontal direction, then the stability and steadiness of the runner is improved, but the outsole generates a floating effect that adversely affects stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical properties of the outsole material to exhibit different compliance characteristics in different directions and under different loading conditions. The material is designed to be compliant horizontally under certain conditions while maintaining vertical support, resolving the contradiction between horizontal adaptability and overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its stiffness based on the loading conditions. During the running cycle, the outsole transitions between compliant and rigid states, providing horizontal compliance when needed while maintaining stability during push-off phases, thus resolving the stability contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outsole is designed to be compliant in the horizontal direction, then the comfort during oblique foot placement is improved, but the runner loses ground contact during push-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing the outsole to exhibit direction-dependent mechanical properties. The material parameters are optimized to allow tangential deformation during foot placement for comfort, while maintaining sufficient rigidity during push-off to prevent ground contact loss, thus resolving the reliability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outsole are designed with different local qualities - the heel and midfoot regions are more compliant to accommodate oblique placement, while the forefoot and toe regions maintain higher rigidity for reliable push-off, resolving the contradiction between comfort and ground contact reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the front region of the sole is designed to be hard and uncompliant, then the floating effect is avoided, but the compliance during foot placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatial variation in the outsole's mechanical properties. The forefoot region is designed with higher rigidity to prevent floating effect, while the heel and midfoot regions maintain compliance for comfortable foot placement, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole is designed with dynamic stiffness characteristics that allow it to provide compliance during the initial contact and mid-stance phases, then transition to a rigid state during push-off to prevent floating effect, resolving the contradiction between placement compliance and floating prevention.
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
This design enhances stability and comfort by matching the outsole's compliance to the runner's style, ensuring better ground contact and reduced floating effect during running.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elements 2a, 2b project downwards in relation to a stop surface 3 which surrounds the elements 2a, 2b on all sides. It is possible, as a result of the forces acting thereon during running, for the elements 2a, 2b to be deformed into alignment with the stop surface 3 vertically and/or horizontally toward all sides.
Implementation Method 2
the functionalities which are necessary for the desired effect here, that is to say the tangential deformability and the rigidity in relation to tangential deformation beyond at least one critical deformation, are assigned, on the one hand, to a vertically and horizontally deformable element and, on the other hand, to a stop surface
Data Source
AI summary
An outsole, in which in the heel and ball regions several elements protrude downward with respect to a stop surface which surrounds the outsole on all sides. The elements can be deformed vertically and/or horizontally to all sides by the forces acting thereon during walking until they are aligned with the stop surface. At least two groups of elements are provided. With respect to the elements of a first group a force that is at least 10 N higher is required than with respect to the elements of a second group in order to bring the elements into alignment with the stop surface by vertical deformation. With respect to the elements of the first group force that is at least 5 N lower is required than with respect to the elements of the second group in order to bring the elements into alignment with the stop surface by horizontal deformation.