Segmented Footwear Outsole with Articulating Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sole structures for footwear lack optimal integration of cushioning and outsole components, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of comfort, durability, and traction.
Innovation Solution
The sole structure incorporates a cushion with a series of lobes arranged from the forefoot to the heel region, combined with an outsole featuring multiple portions with U-shapes and arcuate connections, allowing for enhanced flexibility and ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outsole is formed as a single piece attached to the midsole, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility and ground contact optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple separate portions (first outsole portion, second outsole portion, third outsole portion) instead of being a single piece. Each portion can independently contact the ground and move relative to others, enhancing flexibility and adaptability to different ground surfaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cushion and outsole are rigidly integrated, then structural stability is improved, but force distribution and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion and outsole portions are configured to move relative to each other during footwear operation. The separate outsole portions can independently articulate and adapt to ground contours, while the cushion dynamically responds to applied loads, optimizing force distribution and comfort while maintaining overall structural stability
3Reliability
If the outsole has extensive ground contact area, then traction is improved, but flexibility and responsiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is segmented into multiple portions that can independently contact the ground. This segmentation allows each portion to quickly adapt to ground surfaces for rapid traction establishment while maintaining overall stability through the distributed contact points, resolving the conflict between extensive contact area and responsiveness
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
This configuration provides improved cushioning, increased durability, and enhanced traction by allowing the cushion and outsole components to move relative to each other, thereby optimizing the distribution of forces and contact with the ground.
Implementation Method 1
fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air
Implementation Method 3
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 4
The outsole provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a midsole. The midsole may include a cushion and a chassis. The cushion extends from a forefoot region to a heel region of the sole structure. The chassis is disposed between a top side of the cushion and the upper. An outsole is mounted to a bottom surface of the midsole. The outsole includes a first outsole portion, a second outsole portion and a third outsole portion. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion are spaced apart from each other so as to provide flexibility to the sole structure. The first outsole portion, the second outsole portion and the third outsole portion may be formed of a first material and a second material. The second material is more durable relative to the first material.