Segmented Achilles Tendon Cushion Sock for Sports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports socks with cushions for the Achilles tendon area restrict mobility and cause undesirable heat insulation, leading to friction and impact stresses that can result in premature fatigue and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A sock design featuring a joint between cushions that provides mobility and improved climate control by creating predetermined bending points and aeration channels, with bent-shaped cushions and a vertically oriented ridge to maintain position and separate the tendon from the shoe, reducing friction and impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cushions are provided to protect the Achilles tendon, then protection against friction and impact stresses is improved, but freedom of movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous cushion material is segmented by introducing joints that create predetermined bending points. This allows the cushion to be divided into sections that can move independently, maintaining protection while enabling foot mobility during sports activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion structure is made dynamic by incorporating joints that allow movement. The predetermined bending points enable the cushion to adapt its shape during foot movement, transitioning from a static protective barrier to a dynamic element that moves with the foot while maintaining protection.
2Reliability
If additional material is used to protect the Achilles tendon, then protection against friction and impact stresses is improved, but heat insulation increases causing undesirable climate control
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cushion material with joints, the continuous insulating barrier is broken into discrete sections. This segmentation creates gaps that allow air circulation and heat dissipation, maintaining protection while improving climate control through reduced heat insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structures create a porous or perforated effect in the cushion material, allowing air flow channels that facilitate ventilation and heat removal from the Achilles tendon area, thus improving climate control while maintaining protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a sock for use in sports activities. The sock, includes cushioning in the area of the Achilles tendon for absorbing frictional and impact stresses without force being applied to the Achilles tendon. In one embodiment, the cushioning comprises elongated vertically spaced apart cushions that are in a bent shape. In another embodiment the cushioning comprises vertically spaced apart cushions that are divided by a vertically oriented ridge.