Ribbed Outsole and Notched Midsole for Faster Gait Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear soles do not effectively enhance the heel-to-toe transition and provide sufficient stability and cushioning during running and walking, limiting the wearer's performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a ribbed outsole with longitudinal ribs and a notched midsole that interact to stiffen and facilitate a quicker transition to the forefoot, promoting a propulsive phase, while also providing lateral stability through dynamic banking protrusions and notches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional flat sole design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heel-to-toe transition is not effectively enhanced and stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into multiple functional components: a midsole with longitudinal notches, an outsole with longitudinal ribs that fit into the notches, and transverse notches. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to enhance the heel-to-toe transition and provide stability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are given different properties: the longitudinal ribs in the forefoot region provide stiffness for push-off, while the transverse notches in the midfoot region allow flexion. The notches and ribs are strategically positioned to provide localized support and flexibility where needed, rather than making the entire sole uniformly rigid or flexible.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sole is made stiffer to improve stability, then lateral stability is enhanced, but the transition to forefoot becomes slower and less propulsive
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure dynamically adapts during the gait cycle. The notches and ribs work together to provide stiffness when lateral stability is needed (during stance phase) while allowing controlled flexion during the transition to forefoot. The longitudinal ribs act as hinges that enable controlled rotation, providing stability when needed and facilitating motion when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the sole into segmented regions with notches and ribs, the structure can provide stability in certain areas (where ribs are present) while allowing motion in other areas (where notches provide flexion). This segmentation enables the sole to exhibit both stability and flexibility characteristics simultaneously in different locations.
3Reliability
If longitudinal ribs are added to the outsole and notches are created in the midsole, then the heel-to-toe transition is enhanced and stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole and outsole are combined in a way that the notches and ribs work together as an integrated system. The longitudinal ribs of the outsole fit into the longitudinal notches of the midsole, creating a unified structure that enhances the heel-to-toe transition. This merging allows the two components to support each other's functions while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has longitudinal ribs and a midsole that is disposed above the outsole and that defines notches. The longitudinal ribs arc disposed in the notches.