Angled Proprioceptive Midsole Structure for Ball Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures in athletic footwear lack effective proprioceptive elements that enhance the wearer's awareness of the position of an object on the sole, such as a ball, and do not efficiently utilize the properties of the sole structure to provide enhanced cushioning, motion control, and resiliency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a midsole body with angled holes and proprioceptive elements that translate relative to the midsole body under force, allowing for sensory feedback and improved proprioceptive feedback, along with a connecting web or sockliner to secure the elements in place, enhancing ball control and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional sole structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but proprioceptive feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional components: a midsole body, multiple proprioceptive elements (divided into first and second sets), and a connecting web. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing enhanced proprioceptive feedback without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates proprioceptive elements that translate relative to the midsole body under force, creating a feedback mechanism that enhances the wearer's awareness of object position. The translating elements provide sensory feedback that improves proprioceptive information without requiring complex electronic systems.
2Measurement precision
If proprioceptive elements are added to enhance awareness, then ball control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proprioceptive elements are designed to translate automatically in response to applied forces without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The elements self-regulate their movement based on the forces applied to the sole, providing position awareness through passive mechanical response.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting web or sockliner is used to secure the proprioceptive elements in place while allowing their natural translation movement. This flexible connecting structure maintains element positioning without restricting their ability to translate and provide sensory feedback.
3Loss of information
If angled holes are used for proprioceptive elements, then sensory feedback is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angled holes are pre-formed in the midsole body at specific orientations before the proprioceptive elements are inserted. This preliminary formation of holes with predetermined angles allows the elements to be positioned correctly without requiring high-precision alignment during assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 provides enhanced proprioceptive feedback, improving ball control and grip by translating proprioceptive elements relative to the midsole body, thereby enhancing the wearer's awareness of the object's position and providing improved cushioning and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each proprioceptive element is movable relative to the midsole body along a central axis of the respective proprioceptive element in a direction toward the proximal surface under a force along the central axis at a distal end of the respective proprioceptive element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes perforating a midsole body of a sole structure to form perforations through the midsole body, wherein the midsole body has perforated holes established by the perforations. The method includes disposing each of a plurality of proprioceptive elements of the sole structure in a different one of the perforated holes as an integral portion of the midsole body surrounded by the perforations. Each central axis of the plurality of proprioceptive elements disposed in a medial sidewall portion of the midsole body and a lateral sidewall portion of the midsole body is angled relative to a vertical axis of the midsole body and is configured to align with a direction of a lateral loading force on the midsole body at a location of the respective proprioceptive element.