Particle Foam Midsole Deformation for Stable Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles struggle to balance high stability and cushioning requirements, often compromising energy return and performance due to conflicting material properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a deformation region within the midsole that allows sideward deformation of particle foam, combined with control elements to manage deformation and maintain stability, using materials with varying stiffness to optimize cushioning and energy return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high-stiffness materials are used to improve stability and grip, then stability is improved, but cushioning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple functional regions: a stable base layer made of high-stiffness material for stability and grip, and a deformation region made of softer material for cushioning. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are assigned different material properties: the base layer uses high-stiffness material for stability, while the deformation region uses softer material for cushioning. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between stability and cushioning.
2Use of energy by moving object
If soft materials are used to improve cushioning, then cushioning is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into a stable base layer and a deformation region. The base layer maintains structural integrity and stability, while the deformation region provides cushioning through controlled deformation, preventing the entire sole from becoming unstable.
Solution Approach 2:
Soft material is localized to the deformation region where cushioning is needed, while the base layer retains high-stiffness material for stability. This local quality differentiation allows soft materials to improve cushioning without compromising overall stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy materials are used to improve stability, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into a thin stable base layer and a deformation region. This segmentation allows stability to be achieved with minimal material in the base layer, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
High-stiffness material is localized to the thin base layer where structural support is needed, rather than using heavy materials throughout the entire sole. This local application of stiff material provides stability with minimal weight.
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
Maintains cushioning and energy return properties while providing stability, reducing weight and manufacturing costs, and enhancing athletic performance.
Implementation Method 1
allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole
Implementation Method 2
facilitate the return of energy exerted by a wearer during his movements back to the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
Described are soles for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, with a midsole. The midsole includes a first sole region, which includes particle foam. The midsole further includes a deformation region within the midsole, wherein the deformation region has a volume greater than that of a single expanded particle and is positioned so that it allows a sideward deformation of the material of the first sole region under a pressure load on the sole.