Polyurethane Intermediate Sole Layer for Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current professional work shoes that incorporate elastic inserts for comfort and safety are complex and costly to manufacture, while also failing to provide adequate energy return and prolonged comfort.
Innovation Solution
A professional work shoe with a layered sole comprising a lower polyurethane tread, an intermediate polyurethane layer with resilience greater than 41% for energy return, and an upper layer, which simplifies manufacturing and ensures comfort and safety compliance with standards like EN ISO 20344 and EN ISO 20345.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastic insert is inserted inside the layered sole to improve comfort and energy return, then user comfort and energy return are improved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic insert function directly into the intermediate layer of the sole by making the entire intermediate layer elastic with resilience greater than 41%, eliminating the need for separate elastic inserts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comfort and energy return benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support between the upper and lower sole, delivers elastic energy return for comfort during movement, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate elastic insert components
2Loss of energy
If an elastic insert is inserted inside the layered sole to improve energy return, then energy return and comfort during movement are improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic energy return function is merged into the intermediate layer material selection rather than requiring separate elastic insert components, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining high energy return performance through material resilience greater than 41%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise material parameters for the intermediate layer (resilience greater than 41%, hardness between 30-45 Shore A, density between 0.35-0.45 g/cm³) to optimize energy return while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness
3Loss of energy
If the intermediate layer is made of polyurethane with resilience greater than 41% to improve energy return, then energy return and comfort are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes clear material parameter specifications for the intermediate layer (resilience >41%, hardness 30-45 Shore A, density 0.35-0.45 g/cm³) that balance performance requirements with manufacturability, using standardized measurement methods like DIN 53512 for resilience to ensure consistency without excessive precision demands
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 shoe provides enhanced comfort and energy return during prolonged activities without complex inserts, meeting safety standards while being easier and less expensive to produce.
Implementation Method 1
The resilience greater than 41% is measured according to the measurement standard DIN 53512 and represents the relationship between the energy returned by an elastomer subjected to an impact and the energy applied to this elastomer in the same impact
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a professional work shoe (1), comprising an upper (2) and a layered sole (3) associated with said upper (2), said layered sole (3) comprising a lower layer (5) adapted to come into contact with the ground, an intermediate layer (6) associated with said upper (2) and said lower layer (5), respectively, and an upper layer (9). According to the invention, the intermediate layer (6) is made of polyurethane having a resilience greater than 41%.