Running Shoe Midsole Channels for Horizontal Impact Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running shoes lack sufficient horizontal cushioning, leading to knee and hip joint pain, and have high weight and low durability due to unsatisfactory cushioning materials.
Innovation Solution
A sole with a soft-elastic midsole featuring transversely extending channels, each delimited by front and rear walls, that deform vertically and horizontally to enhance cushioning, reducing weight and improving durability through a more efficient distribution of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pronounced cushioning is provided in the heel area, then vertical cushioning is improved, but the weight of the shoe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple independent channel elements (first, second, third channels) distributed across different regions (heel, midfoot, forefoot). Each channel acts as an independent cushioning unit, allowing localized cushioning without requiring excessive material throughout the entire sole, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining effective cushioning where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different channel configurations are placed in different regions of the sole according to local cushioning requirements. The heel area receives cushioning from multiple channels to handle higher impact forces, while other areas receive appropriate cushioning from fewer channels, optimizing material distribution and reducing unnecessary weight.
2Reliability
If conventional cushioning materials are used, then cushioning effect is provided, but durability is reduced and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel elements create a porous or hollow structure within the sole material. These channels can be filled with lightweight cushioning material or remain as air-filled cavities, providing effective cushioning through the compressible air or minimal material while significantly reducing the overall material quantity required, thereby improving durability by reducing material fatigue.
3Reliability
If channels with circular or square cross-section are used, then cushioning effect is provided, but stability is reduced due to floating feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-section is designed as an asymmetric shape with a flat side and a curved side, rather than a symmetric circular or square shape. The asymmetric design creates a more stable geometric configuration that resists rotation and provides a more stable feeling during foot movement, while the curved portion maintains the cushioning effect through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel cross-section incorporates curved surfaces rather than purely flat or angular surfaces. The curved geometry allows for more uniform stress distribution during compression and provides a stable, comfortable feeling under the foot while maintaining effective cushioning through the elastic properties of the curved channel walls.
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 channels provide improved horizontal cushioning, reducing weight, and enhance durability, addressing the issues of existing running shoes.
Implementation Method 1
A sole with a soft-elastic midsole featuring transversely extending channels, each delimited by front and rear walls, that deform vertically and horizontally to enhance cushioning
Implementation Method 2
the channels can be deformed vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction until they are closed
Implementation Method 3
Running shoe sole having channel damping
Data Source
AI summary
A sole for a running shoe having a soft-elastic midsole includes an underside coming at least partially into contact with the ground during running. The midsole includes a plurality of channels extending in the transverse direction (Q) arranged in a lateral area (LB) of the midsole in a horizontal plane. At least a portion of the channels is arranged in the forefoot area (VFB) and/or at least a portion of the channels is arranged in the midfoot area (MFB) and/or at least a portion of the channels is arranged in the heel area (FB) of the midsole. The channels are each delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall and a rear wall and have an elongated shape in cross-section along the running direction. The channels are deformable vertically and/or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) until their closure under the action of forces occurring during running acting vertically and/or in the longitudinal direction (L).