Segmented Midsole Structure for Flexible, Stable Side Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sport shoe cushioning systems fail to provide adequate flexibility and stability for lateral and medial movements, leading to instabilities and inefficient force transmission during activities like cross-fit and gymnastics.
Innovation Solution
A midsole design featuring horizontal tilting slits and tiltable blocks that allow for increased flexibility and stability, combined with an elastic plate for enhanced cushioning and force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cushioning systems are made more flexible to improve comfort and range of motion, then flexibility is improved, but stability deteriorates leading to instabilities in medial and lateral directions
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple independent tiltable blocks separated by horizontal tilting slits. Each block can tilt independently relative to adjacent blocks, allowing localized flexibility while maintaining overall structural stability through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic system where blocks can tilt and return to their original position. The horizontal tilting slits enable dynamic movement in the longitudinal direction while the blocks' geometry and material properties provide dynamic stability in lateral and medial directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cushioning systems are made more flexible to allow greater range of motion, then flexibility is improved, but force transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable blocks are designed to return to their original position after deformation, converting cushioning compression into propulsive force. This dynamic recovery mechanism ensures that energy is not lost in the cushioning deformation but is instead transferred to propel the wearer forward, maintaining high force transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole blocks undergo periodic compression and recovery cycles during the gait cycle. Each block is compressed during impact phases and returns to its original shape during push-off phases, creating a rhythmic pattern of energy storage and release that efficiently transmits force throughout the movement cycle.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional cushioning systems are used to provide stability, then stability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates limiting side step movements and splits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the midsole into multiple tiltable blocks, the patent achieves both stability and flexibility simultaneously. Each block maintains structural integrity for stability, while the gaps between blocks allow independent movement for flexibility during side steps and splits.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole have different properties - the blocks themselves provide local stability through their rigid structure, while the horizontal tilting slits between blocks provide local flexibility. This spatial variation in properties allows the midsole to exhibit both stability and flexibility in different locations and directions.
4Ease of operation
If cushioning systems are made more flexible for comfort, then wearing comfort is improved, but instabilities occur causing foot injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole blocks dynamically adapt to applied forces by tilting to accommodate movement, providing comfort. However, the blocks' inherent stability and tendency to return to their original position prevent the uncontrolled instabilities that could cause injury, creating a balanced dynamic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal tilting slits change the geometric parameters of the midsole structure, allowing controlled deformation in the longitudinal direction for comfort while maintaining sufficient structural parameters in lateral and medial directions to prevent injurious instabilities.
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 midsole design enhances flexibility and stability during side steps and splits, reducing the risk of foot injuries and improving force transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each horizontal tilting slit is configured to tilt the corresponding midsole top portion, i.e. the midsole top portion above this horizontal tilting slit, with respect to the corresponding midsole base portion
Implementation Method 2
an elastic plate for enhanced cushioning and force transmission
Implementation Method 3
an elastic plate for enhanced cushioning and force transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a midsole (10) for a sport shoe, the midsole (10) comprising: a forefoot area (FA), a heel area (HA) and a midfoot area (MA) being arranged between the forefoot area (FA) and the heel area (HA); a top layer (101) and an opposing base layer (102); a heel edge (103) and a midsole tip (104), wherein a longitudinal direction (LO) of the midsole (10) extends from the heel edge (103) to the midsole tip (104); one or more horizontal tilting slits (105) being arranged on a medial side and/or on a lateral side of the midsole (1), wherein the one or more horizontal tilting slits (105) horizontally divide the midsole (1) in a midsole top portion (106) and a midsole base portion (107), wherein each horizontal tilting slit (105) is configured to tilt the midsole top portion (106) with respect to the midsole base portion (107).