Retractable Footwear Traction Stabilizer Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current traction elements in footwear are limited in their ability to provide consistent traction across various surfaces and types of movements, often requiring replacement for different actions and failing to adapt to dynamic conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reduced stability.
Innovation Solution
The development of traction elements with stabilizing features and retractable/extendable mechanisms that adjust to different surface conditions, incorporating materials like TPU and nylon for durability and elasticity, allowing for enhanced stability and traction during multiple types of movements and surface interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traction elements are designed for a specific type of action, then traction for that action is improved, but traction for other types of actions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The traction element incorporates a stabilizer that can dynamically change its configuration from a retracted position to an extended position. This dynamic capability allows the same traction element to adapt to different action types (running, cutting, pivoting) by adjusting the stabilizer's extension, thereby providing reliable traction across multiple actions without sacrificing specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer's length parameter is made variable through the retraction/extension mechanism. By changing the stabilizer's length parameter between retracted and extended states, the traction element can optimize its performance for different types of athletic actions, resolving the contradiction between specialized traction and multi-action versatility.
2Reliability
If cleats are designed for soft surfaces, then traction on soft surfaces is improved, but performance on hard surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the traction element's profile. On soft surfaces, the stabilizer extends to provide deeper penetration and better traction. On hard surfaces, the stabilizer retracts to prevent excessive depth and maintain optimal contact, allowing the same cleat to perform reliably across different surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective depth parameter of the traction element is made adjustable through the stabilizer's retraction/extension. This parameter change allows optimization for soft surfaces (extended stabilizer for deeper penetration) and hard surfaces (retracted stabilizer for shallower contact), resolving the surface-specific traction contradiction.
3Device complexity
If traction elements are made non-retractable, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to various surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of the retractable stabilizer adds dynamic functionality to the traction element. The mechanism allows the stabilizer to move between retracted and extended positions in response to different surface conditions and athletic actions, providing adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward mechanical retraction system.
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
These traction elements provide improved stability and durability by adapting to different surfaces and movements, enhancing the wearer's performance and reducing wear and tear, while allowing for efficient transition between hard and soft surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the stabilizer may be capable of flexing with respect to the main body... the stabilizer provides the main body with additional stability and support during use
Implementation Method 2
made from an elastomeric material... capable of withstanding the forces that will be exerted upon the traction element
Implementation Method 3
traction elements provide increased friction and grip between the item and the surface that the item contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Traction elements for an article of footwear can include stabilizer elements. An extendable traction element for an article of footwear can include an elongatable extender attached to another portion of a sole structure. An actuator can rest within the extender and cause elongation of the extender in response to a force from the foot of a wearer.