Pivotable Spring Plate Footwear Sole for Jumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures do not effectively enhance jumping ability by efficiently returning energy to the wearer and concentrating force application for upward and outward propulsion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a spring plate with pivotably coupled segments and fluid-filled cushioning elements within the sole structure, along with midsole members, to elastically deform and rebound, enhancing energy return and force concentration for jumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a spring plate with pivotably coupled segments is incorporated into the sole structure, then energy return and jumping performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring plate is divided into multiple segments (first spring plate segment, second spring plate segment, third spring plate segment) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to flex and rebound more effectively during jumping, improving energy return while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple simpler components rather than a single complex piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring plate segments are connected through pivot points that allow dynamic movement between segments during the jumping motion. The first segment pivots relative to the second, which pivots relative to the third, creating a dynamic system that adapts to loading conditions and maximizes elastic energy storage and return during foot strike and takeoff.
2Power
If fluid-filled cushioning elements are added to the sole structure, then cushioning and energy return are enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled cushioning elements are nested within the existing sole structure layers, specifically positioned between the spring plate segments and the midsole. This nesting approach allows the cushioning elements to be integrated into the manufacturing process without requiring separate assembly steps, as they fit within pre-formed cavities or channels in the sole structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple midsole members are used to support the spring plate, then structural stability and force concentration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sole structure have different material properties and structural characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The areas surrounding the spring plate segments have enhanced structural characteristics (stiffer materials, denser construction) to provide stability and force concentration, while other regions maintain softer, more compliant properties for cushioning and comfort. This localized differentiation achieves structural stability without requiring the entire sole structure to be complex.
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 sole structure effectively propels the wearer to greater heights and distances by elastically deforming and rebounding, improving jumping performance.
Implementation Method 1
the spring plate elastically deforms and rebounding
Implementation Method 2
fluid-filled cushioning elements
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear can include an outsole, a spring plate, a first midsole member, one or more cushioning elements, and a second midsole member. The spring plate includes an inferior segment and a superior segment. The inferior segment and the superior segment each include an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The inferior segment and the superior segment are piviotably coupled together at their anterior portions. The inferior segment and the superior segment are spaced apart from each other in the anterior/superior direction at their posterior portions. The first midsole member is disposed between the inferior segment of the spring plate and the superior segment of the spring plate. The one or more cushioning elements are disposed between the first midsole portion and the superior segment of the spring plate. The second midsole member is disposed on superior segment of the spring plate.