Proprioceptive Sole Structure for Tactile Feedback and Ball Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic footwear sole structures lack effective proprioceptive elements that enhance the wearer's awareness of object contact and location, limiting ball control and grip in sports.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of proprioceptive elements in the midsole that are translatable within holes, providing tactile feedback and enhancing ball control through differential translation and density variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sole structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but proprioceptive feedback capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple functional layers including an outsole with external flex grooves, a midsole with internal flex grooves and proprioceptive elements, and a forefoot articulation zone. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions while collectively providing enhanced proprioceptive feedback without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure incorporates dynamic proprioceptive elements that translate within the midsole in response to applied forces, and flex grooves that enable articulation between the forefoot and rearfoot. These dynamic features provide real-time proprioceptive feedback during ball handling activities while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If rigid sole structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ball control and grip are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure employs dynamic flex grooves in both the outsole and midsole that enable controlled articulation and movement during ball handling. These dynamic features allow the sole to adapt its rigidity based on the operational state, providing enhanced ball control while maintaining structural stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure changes its mechanical parameters dynamically through the translation of proprioceptive elements and articulation at flex grooves. During ball contact, the structure becomes more compliant to enhance grip and control, while maintaining overall structural integrity through the stable framework of the midsole and outsole.
3Reliability
If uniform density materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but differential tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole incorporates proprioceptive elements with varying densities distributed at different locations to provide differential tactile feedback. Elements with higher density provide stronger feedback signals, while lower density elements provide subtler feedback, allowing the wearer to distinguish between different types and intensities of ball contact at various locations on the foot.
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
Improves proprioceptive feedback and ball control by distinguishing active and inactive elements, allowing for enhanced grip and articulation during ball handling.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of proprioceptive elements is movable relative to the midsole body along a central axis of the proprioceptive element in a direction toward the proximal surface when under a force toward the proximal surface applied at a distal end of the proprioceptive element along the central axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. The midsole body has a first set of holes extending through the midsole body from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a second set of holes extending through the midsole body from the proximal surface to the distal surface, and a cleft extending partway through the midsole body between the first set of holes and the second set of holes. Center axes of holes of the first set are parallel with center axes of holes of the second set with the cleft open, and are nonparallel with the center axes of the holes of the second set with the cleft closed. The sole structure for an article of footwear further comprises a plurality of proprioceptive elements, each proprioceptive element disposed in a different hole of the first set or of the second set, and translatable relative to the midsole body along a central axis of the respective hole in a direction toward the proximal surface under a force along the central axis at a distal end of the proprioceptive element; a connecting web integral with the plurality of proprioceptive elements at either proximal ends or distal ends of the plurality of proprioceptive elements such that the connecting web and the plurality of proprioceptive elements are a single, unitary component; and in combination with a sock overlying the connecting web such that the proximal ends of the plurality of proprioceptive elements translate into a foot-receiving cavity of the sock.