Removable Mechanical Midsole for Footwear Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional articles of athletic footwear rely heavily on foam midsoles for cushioning, which may not provide sufficient customization, sustainability, or ease of component replacement.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a removably secured midsole with mechanical cushioning elements, allowing for easy replacement and customization, and utilizes thermoplastic polymers for sustainable manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional foam midsoles are used, then cushioning is provided, but customization and ease of replacement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The midsole is divided into multiple replaceable modules including heel cushioning elements, forefoot cushioning elements, and midfoot support elements. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, enabling customization of cushioning properties without replacing the entire midsole structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The midsole system transitions from a static foam structure to a dynamic modular system where components can be adjusted, removed, and replaced based on user needs and wear conditions, providing adaptability throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional foam midsoles are used, then cushioning is provided, but sustainability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning performanceVSAvoidwaste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding the entire midsole when cushioning performance degrades, only the worn modular elements are removed and replaced. The remaining functional portions of the midsole are retained and reused, significantly reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning performance is maintained by replacing modular elements with updated versions that have improved material properties or cushioning characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to changing performance requirements without complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are introduced for replacement, then customization and sustainability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular midsole elements are designed with standardized interfaces and attachment mechanisms that can be used across different footwear models. This universality simplifies the overall system by using common components rather than custom-designed parts for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4225093B1Article of footwear with removably secured mechanical cushioning

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 NIKE INNOVATE CV

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AI summary

An article of footwear includes an upper having an internal volume adapted to receive a foot of a wearer and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chassis plate provided within the upper, a midsole secured to the chassis plate such that the upper extends between the chassis plate and the midsole, and an outsole tread element attached to a ground facing surface of the midsole.