Segmented Cleat Plate Sole for Foot Strength and Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleats lack flexibility and movement, restricting foot strength development in athletes due to immobilization, which is not conducive to natural foot function and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cleat plate arrangement with independently moving plates, where the cleat plates are more pliant than the base and outsole, allowing for enhanced foot movement and traction on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid or two-part cleat plate soles are used, then traction and stability are improved, but foot movement and flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat plate is divided into multiple independently moving segments or plates rather than using a solid single piece. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently with the foot, providing flexibility and natural foot movement while maintaining traction through the cleat structures on each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat plate transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic multi-part structure that can move and flex with foot motion. The multiple plates or segments are connected in a way that allows them to dynamically adapt to foot movement, enabling both traction and flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solid or two-part cleat plate soles are used, then structural stability is improved, but foot strength development is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sole into multiple independent plates or segments, the structure provides stability through the cleat configurations while allowing the foot to move naturally and develop strength through controlled motion, rather than being restricted by a solid immovable sole.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the sole is changed from uniform high rigidity (solid) to variable rigidity across multiple segments. Each segment can flex independently, changing the overall mechanical properties to allow foot strength development while maintaining structural integrity for stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single rigid cleat plate is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but foot comfort and natural function are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat plate is segmented into multiple independent components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This maintains manufacturing feasibility while dramatically improving foot comfort by allowing natural foot movement and flexion that a single rigid plate would prevent.
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
Enables athletes to maintain natural foot strength and function while providing improved traction and comfort, allowing the foot to be the primary force in locomotion, suitable for both athletic and non-athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced traction on loose grassy surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear with a cleated sole includes an upper with an affixed midsole and multiple cleat plates spaced from one another; and an outsole encircling at least one of the cleat plates, affixed to the midsole. The cleat plates include a flat base with at least one cleat extending perpendicular to the surface. The bases are more pliant than the cleats and the outsole is more pliant than the bases. The footwear is comfortable and allows the foot to be the primary acting force in the beginning of locomotion, contributing to the athlete's strength and health.