Non-linear Viscous SEBS Shoe Sole for Comfort-Responsiveness Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles fail to provide optimal support and comfort across a range of activities due to materials that either sacrifice responsiveness for comfort or vice versa, and existing shear-thickening materials are not accurately calibrated for multiple levels of activity, making them unsuitable for both high- and low-intensity activities.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-linearly viscous SEBS block copolymer-based materials in shoe inserts and midsole regions, which adjust their viscosity and resiliency based on impact levels, providing both energy absorption and return, thereby enhancing comfort and performance across various activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional materials are used in shoe soles, then comfort is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a non-linearly viscous material whose viscosity dynamically changes based on applied stress. At low stress levels (walking), the material remains soft and comfortable, while at high stress levels (running impacts), the material stiffens to provide responsiveness and support. This single material system resolves the contradiction by allowing both comfort and responsiveness to be achieved through stress-dependent parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by employing a material with time-dependent and stress-dependent mechanical properties. The non-linearly viscous material transitions from a soft, compliant state during low-impact activities to a stiff, supportive state during high-impact activities. This dynamic behavior allows the shoe sole to adapt its characteristics in real-time, providing both comfort during casual wear and performance during athletic activities.
2Ease of operation
If a softer shoe sole is used, then comfort for standing and walking is improved, but performance for high-impact activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linearly viscous material exhibits parameter changes based on stress magnitude. During standing and walking (low stress), the material maintains low viscosity for comfort. During running or jumping (high stress), the material's viscosity increases significantly, providing the necessary support and performance. This stress-dependent parameter change allows a single sole construction to serve multiple activity levels optimally.
3Reliability
If a stiffer shoe sole is used, then responsiveness for high-impact activities is improved, but comfort for low-level activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the opposite direction from conventional stiff materials. Instead of being permanently stiff, the non-linearly viscous material is soft at low stress levels (comfortable for walking) and becomes stiff at high stress levels (responsive for running). This inverse approach—where stiffness is activated only when needed—resolves the contradiction between comfort and responsiveness.
4Reliability
If dilatant materials are used in the shoe sole, then responsiveness for multiple activity levels is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes through a non-linearly viscous material that can be processed using conventional manufacturing techniques. Unlike traditional dilatant materials that require specialized processing, this material can be injection molded or compression molded into the desired shoe sole geometry. The material's rheological properties enable it to exhibit stress-dependent viscosity while being compatible with standard manufacturing processes, thus improving responsiveness without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 solution provides a shoe that is comfortable for walking while maintaining high-end performance for running or training by dynamically adjusting to impact levels, reducing off-axis loading and enhancing stability, and can be manufactured using cost-effective methods like injection molding.
Implementation Method 1
shoe assembly with non-linear viscous liquid
Implementation Method 2
non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material... adjust their viscosity and resiliency based on impact levels, providing both energy absorption and return
Implementation Method 3
Some attempts have been made to provide a shoe with dilatant (i.e., shear-thickening) materials in the sole. These materials increase in viscosity as a function of the rate of shear
Data Source
AI summary
Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.