Footwear Sole Structure With a Patterned Sheet for Shear Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures in footwear lack improved stability and shear strength, particularly in regions like the forefoot, midfoot, and heel, when subjected to parallel and perpendicular loading.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a midsole portion with a sheet of material forming a sinusoidal or saw-tooth pattern, enhancing stability by providing a flexible and supportive interface between midsole portions, which can be molded around or through the sheet to integrate with the sole structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional sole structures are used, then the basic function of supporting the foot is achieved, but the stability and shear strength in forefoot, midfoot, and heel regions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple distinct portions (first midsole portion, second midsole portion, third midsole portion) with different configurations. Each portion is positioned in specific regions (forefoot, midfoot, heel) to provide targeted structural support and shear strength where needed, rather than using a uniform sole structure throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Different midsole portions are configured with different properties - some with higher density or stiffness in regions requiring greater stability (heel, midfoot), and varying thickness or material composition in different zones. This local differentiation optimizes shear strength and stability in each specific region without unnecessarily complicating the entire sole structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sheet of material with sinusoidal or saw-tooth pattern is molded around or through midsole portions, then stability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet of material with sinusoidal or saw-tooth pattern is prepared and positioned in advance before the molding process. The midsole portions are then molded around or through this pre-positioned sheet, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to form the complex pattern during the molding operation itself. This preliminary preparation of the sheet structure enables enhanced stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes a first midsole portion, a second midsole portion, and a sheet. The first midsole portion includes a first sidewall. The second midsole portion includes a second sidewall. The sheet is disposed between the first midsole portion and the second midsole portion and extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The sheet extends at least partially over the second sidewall.