Recessed Cleat Boot Sole for Rough and Smooth Surface Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fishing boots with flat bottoms are difficult and dangerous to navigate on rough surfaces like rocks and gravel, and traditional traction methods like felt surfaces or metal studs either fail to provide adequate stability or transfer invasive species, while also being unsuitable for smooth surfaces like fishing boat floors.
Innovation Solution
A boot sole design featuring recessed cleats attached to an inner sole for engaging rough surfaces and a surrounding sole ring with a flat bottom for smooth surfaces, made from materials like aluminum or carbide, providing improved traction and safety without damaging surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat bottom is used on fishing boots, then the boot is suitable for smooth surfaces like boat floors, but it provides poor traction on rough surfaces like rocks and gravel
Solution Approach 1:
The boot sole is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a central recessed cavity containing cleats for rough surface traction, and a surrounding flat outer sole for smooth surface compatibility. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the boot sole are given different surface qualities - the recessed cavity area has protruding cleats with high friction surfaces for rock and gravel traction, while the outer sole maintains a flat, smooth quality suitable for boat floors and indoor surfaces. Each local area is optimized for its specific use case.
2Ease of operation
If metal studs are incorporated into the boot sole, then traction on rough surfaces is improved, but they wear out quickly and cannot be used on smooth surfaces without damaging them
Solution Approach 1:
The traction elements (cleats) are confined to a recessed cavity, separating them from the outer sole that contacts smooth surfaces. This spatial segmentation allows metal or carbide cleats to provide durable traction on rocks without the risk of damaging boat floors, since the outer sole remains flat and non-abrasive.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a flat sole with added traction elements that protrude outward (which could damage surfaces), the design inverts the approach by recessing the cavity containing the cleats. The protruding cleats are contained within a depression, so only the flat outer sole perimeter contacts smooth surfaces, preventing damage while maintaining traction capability.
3Ease of operation
If a felt surface is used on the boot sole, then traction on rough surfaces is improved, but it helps transplant invasive aquatic species
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the traction surface is changed from organic felt to inorganic materials such as metal or carbide cleats. This parameter change maintains the high-friction traction needed for rock and gravel surfaces while eliminating the organic material that could harbor and transport invasive aquatic species.
Data Source
AI summary
A boot sole adapted for attachment of a bottom and lower sides of a fishing or hiking boot. The boot sole includes a recessed cavity for receiving one or more cleats therein. The cleats are used for engaging rough and irregular surfaces. The cleats are attached to an inner sole. The inner sole is attached to a bottom of the boot using heating bonding or an adhesive. Disposed around the recessed cavity is a downwardly extending sole ring. The sole ring includes a flat surface for engaging a smooth ground or floor surface.