Removable Heel Pad with Protrusions for Footwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks the ability to easily adjust heel pad characteristics such as impact attenuation and rebound, which can degrade over time due to wear or exposure, leading to inconsistent performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removable heel pad system with protrusions that detachably engage apertures in the midsole and outsole, allowing for the selection and replacement of heel pads made from various materials to adjust performance characteristics, such as impact attenuation and rebound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heel pad is integrated into the footwear structure, then the footwear provides consistent support and comfort, but the heel pad cannot be replaced when worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The heel pad is separated from the footwear structure into a removable component that can be independently replaced. The heel pad is positioned within a cavity in the midsole, allowing it to be removed and replaced without affecting the overall footwear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel pad is designed to be replaceable when worn or damaged. Users can remove the worn heel pad and replace it with a new one, extending the overall lifespan of the footwear while maintaining the heel pad's protective and comfort functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the heel pad characteristics are fixed during manufacturing, then the footwear production is simplified, but the performance characteristics cannot be adjusted for different activities or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The heel pad system transitions from a static, fixed characteristic to a dynamic, adjustable system. Users can select and replace heel pads with different material properties (firmness, cushioning, rebound) based on their activity level and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The performance characteristics of the heel pad can be changed by selecting different materials and constructions. Available options include firm heel pads for stability, cushioned heel pads for comfort, and responsive heel pads for rebound, allowing parameter adjustment without changing the footwear structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heel pad is made from conventional materials, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the impact attenuation and rebound characteristics degrade over time due to wear and exposure
Solution Approach 1:
When the heel pad material degrades from wear and exposure, the entire heel pad is replaced rather than repaired. This ensures that the performance characteristics (impact attenuation and rebound) are restored to their original level, maintaining reliability throughout the footwear's lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel pad can be constructed from composite materials or multiple layers with different properties to enhance durability and maintain performance characteristics over time. This may include combinations of foam densities, rubber compounds, or layered constructions that resist degradation better than single-material options.
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
Enables the adjustment of footwear performance characteristics, extends the life of the footwear by allowing worn heel pads to be replaced, and maintains consistent comfort and performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
Suitable polymer foam materials for at least portions of the midsole include ethylvinylacetate ('EVA') or polyurethane ('PU') that compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces.
Implementation Method 2
The removable heel pad may be formed from a variety of materials or have a variety of characteristics. For example, the removable heel pad may have different impact force attenuating and/or rebound characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
Foot-receiving devices, such as articles of footwear (e.g., athletic footwear, etc.), include a foot-covering member (such as an upper member) and a foot-supporting member (such as a sole member, optionally including insole, midsole, and/or outsole portions) engaged with the foot-covering member. The foot-supporting member may include or define a cavity or void in the heel portion of the foot-receiving device. The foot-receiving device further may include a removable heel pad detachably engaged within the cavity or void.