Running Shoe Ball Rocker Offset and Localized Insole Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional running shoes are unsatisfactory from an ergonomic perspective, particularly for diabetics, due to high pressure loads and poor force distribution during running, which exacerbates skin and blood circulation issues in the legs and feet.

Innovation Solution

A running shoe design with a roll or tilt line offset backwards relative to the ball of the foot, combined with a rigid insole and customized mechanical resistance in the tarsal and metatarsal areas, to reduce rolling resistance and distribute pressure evenly across the foot, mimicking the natural S-shaped rolling line of the human foot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the ball of the foot is arranged centrally above a rolling or tilting line on the underside of the sole, then the shoe structure is simple and conventional, but high pressure loads occur during running which are harmful for diabetics and people with skin and blood circulation problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure loads on footVSAvoidshoe structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is designed with varying mechanical resistance in different areas: the inner tarsal edge section and outer metatarsal edge section have higher mechanical resistance, while the outer tarsal edge section and inner metatarsal edge section have lower mechanical resistance. This local differentiation optimizes force distribution during the running gait cycle, reducing pressure peaks on the foot while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional parameter - the offset distance between the ball line and ball roller (5-15mm) - to create a more natural rolling motion. This dimensional adjustment transforms the traditional central ball position into an offset configuration that better mimics the natural S-shaped rolling line of the human foot, thereby reducing harmful pressure loads during running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the insole is made rigid to increase stability and improve foot hold, then shoe stability is improved, but the shoe becomes less flexible and potentially less comfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoe stabilityVSAvoidshoe flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insole is selectively glued to the outsole at specific locations (the top edge of the outsole in the shaft area) rather than across the entire surface. This localized attachment provides stability and foot hold where needed while preserving flexibility in the forefoot and heel areas, allowing natural foot movement during running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shoe construction combines different material properties: a rigid insole material for stability, a flexible outsole material for comfort and movement, and an adhesive bonding system. This composite approach allows the shoe to simultaneously achieve both stability and flexibility, with each component contributing its optimal properties to the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the roll or tilt line is offset backwards relative to the ball of the foot, then rolling resistance is reduced and ergonomics are improved, but the shoe design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidshoe design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimensional parameter - the offset distance between the ball line and ball roller (5-15mm) - to create a more natural rolling motion. This dimensional adjustment transforms the traditional central ball position into an offset configuration that better mimics the natural S-shaped rolling line of the human foot, thereby reducing harmful pressure loads during running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key geometric parameters of the shoe sole: the ball roller is positioned 5-15mm behind the ball line, and the outsole thickness varies in different areas (8-15mm in the heel area, 4-8mm in the forefoot area). These parameter changes optimize the rolling characteristics and force distribution, improving ergonomics while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the outsole has different mechanical resistance in different areas, then force distribution is optimized for natural running, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidoutsole fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is designed with varying mechanical resistance in different areas: the inner tarsal edge section and outer metatarsal edge section have higher mechanical resistance, while the outer tarsal edge section and inner metatarsal edge section have lower mechanical resistance. This local differentiation optimizes force distribution during the running gait cycle, reducing pressure peaks on the foot while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key geometric parameters of the shoe sole: the ball roller is positioned 5-15mm behind the ball line, and the outsole thickness varies in different areas (8-15mm in the heel area, 4-8mm in the forefoot area). These parameter changes optimize the rolling characteristics and force distribution, improving ergonomics while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3151694B1Shoe, in particular a running shoe
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 DEE LUXE SPORTARTIKEL HANDELS GMBH
  • EP3151694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3151694B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising: an outsole, which has a predetermined ball line (37), which extends from an inner ball point to an outer ball point, and a ball rocker (38), which is offset rearward toward the heel end (26) in relation to the ball line (37) by an average ball rocker distance (41); an upper; and an insole, which is arranged above the outsole and which is adhesively bonded, together with an edge of the upper, to a top side of the outsole.