Ribbed Heel Plate for Hurdle Clearance in Track Shoes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track shoes with thick soles become unstable and can slow down or cause tripping when the heel portion contacts hurdles during hurdling due to the large contact area and friction.
Innovation Solution
A track shoe design featuring a semi-rigid or rigid plate with longitudinal ribs in the heel portion, made of a slippery material with a low coefficient of friction, which minimizes contact area and prevents slipping, combined with spikes and protrusions for traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick sole structure is used in track shoes, then cushioning and support are improved, but stability deteriorates and the shoe becomes prone to tripping when the heel contacts hurdles
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct functional zones: a thick cushioning portion in the forefoot area and a thin plate in the heel portion. This segmentation allows the forefoot to provide cushioning support while the heel plate maintains stability and prevents tripping during hurdle contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are given different thicknesses and material properties. The forefoot has a thick, soft midsole for cushioning, while the heel has a thin, rigid plate for stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between cushioning and stability.
2Speed
If a smooth sole material is used in track shoes, then speed is improved by reducing friction, but traction deteriorates when the heel contacts hurdles
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into a smooth forefoot portion for speed and a ribbed heel portion for traction. The longitudinal ribs in the heel create edge contacts with hurdles, providing reliable traction and preventing the shoe from getting caught during hurdle clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface textures are applied to different parts of the sole: a smooth, low-friction material in the forefoot for speed, and a ribbed structure in the heel for enhanced traction and reliability during hurdle contact.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a large contact area is used in the heel portion, then stability is improved, but friction increases causing the shoe to slow down or trip on hurdles
Solution Approach 1:
The heel contact surface is segmented into multiple longitudinal ribs rather than a continuous flat surface. This segmentation reduces the total contact area with hurdles, minimizing friction and preventing the shoe from getting caught while maintaining stability through the rigid plate structure.
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
The design allows for smoother hurdling by reducing friction and preventing the shoe from getting caught on hurdles, maintaining speed and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole forms the cushioning layer of the sole and may be formed of a soft, yet resilient foam material that attenuates the impact forces of running, walking, or other movement
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of ribs is located longitudinally in the heel portion... made of a slippery material with a low coefficient of friction, which minimizes contact area and prevents slipping
Data Source
AI summary
An article of athletic footwear comprising an upper for receiving the foot of a wearer and a sole structure attached to the upper, the sole structure having a heel portion including a rigid or semi-rigid ground contacting surface having a plurality of ribs located in the heel portion.