Polygonal Shoe Sole Cushioning Structure for Shear Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers in shoe soles lack a structurally enhanced design for effective shock absorption across various applications, limiting their versatility and performance.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing structure featuring column-shaped shock absorbers with polygonal end surfaces and connecting surfaces, where the edges are chamfered or rounded, and may include recesses or protrusions, to facilitate increased shear deformation and deformability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional resin or rubber shock absorbers are used in shoe soles, then basic shock absorption is provided, but the shock absorbing function is limited and versatility across various applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is divided into multiple connection surfaces (first, second, third, and fourth connection surfaces) that connect different end surfaces through ridgelines. This segmentation creates multiple deformation zones that can independently absorb shock, enhancing both the shock absorption capability and adaptability to different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional simple geometric shock absorbers to a multi-dimensional structure with polygonal end surfaces connected by ridgelines forming multiple connection surfaces. This dimensional complexity enables the shock absorber to deform in multiple directions and modes, significantly improving shock absorption performance and versatility across various applications.
2Reliability
If shock absorbers with simple geometric shapes are used, then manufacturing is easier, but shock absorption performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters including making the first and second end surfaces polygonal with 3-10 sides, controlling the number of ridgelines (3-10 first ridgelines, 3-20 second ridgelines), and defining specific connection surface configurations. These parameter optimizations enable complex shock absorption behavior while maintaining manufacturability through standardized geometric relationships.
3Manufacturing precision
If corner portions are made strictly acute, obtuse or right-angled, then geometric precision is achieved, but deformability and shear deformation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces strict corner portions with rounded or curved transitions between ridgelines and connection surfaces. This curvature enables progressive deformation and stress distribution, allowing the shock absorber to undergo significant shear deformation while maintaining geometric precision in the overall polygonal structure. The curved transitions prevent stress concentration that would occur with sharp corners.
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 design enhances shock absorption by allowing for significant shear deformation, resulting in a lightweight shock absorber with improved shock absorption capabilities across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The outer shape of the shock absorber 1A is defined such that, when a load is applied in an axial direction, shear deformation is likely to occur
Implementation Method 2
The shock absorber provided in the shoe sole is typically made using resin or rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
A shock absorber (1A) has a columnar outer shape including, as outer surfaces: a first end surface (ES1) and a second end surface (ES2) that are located opposite to each other in an axial direction; and a plurality of connection surfaces (CS). The first end surface (ES1) has an outer shape of an N-sided polygon (N is an integer of 3 or more), and the second end surface (ES2) has an outer shape of an M-sided polygon (M is an integer of 4 or more and more than N). (M - N) vertices are provided at intermediate positions in the axial direction on a circumferential surface defined by the plurality of connection surfaces (CS). From the vertices, one first ridgeline (L1) is provided to reach one vertex of the first end surface (ES1) and two second ridgelines (L2) each are provided to reach a corresponding one of two vertices of the second end surface (ES2). The remaining vertices are connected to each other by (2 x N - M) third ridgelines (L3). The first ridgeline (LI), the second ridgelines (L2), and the third ridgelines (L3) define the plurality of connection surfaces (CS).