Segmented Outsole Grid Structure for Flexible Foot Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear fails to provide proper biomechanical flexible support for the human foot, particularly in athletic contexts, leading to discomfort and potential injury.

Innovation Solution

A molded outsole with a substrate divided into three sections, featuring a reverse grid lattice pattern in the midsection and raised grid patterns in the forefoot and rear sections, with specific concave recesses to underlie key foot areas, enhancing flexibility and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hard, one-piece molded outsole is used, then durability and structural integrity are improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is divided into multiple sections (forefoot section with first and second portions, midsection, and rear section) with different structural characteristics. The forefoot portion has a raised grid lattice structure for rigidity, while the midsection has a reverse grid lattice structure for flexibility, allowing each section to perform its specific function independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the outsole are given different structural properties: the forefoot has raised grids for strength, the midsection has reverse grids for flexibility, and specific areas like the first metatarsal head region have reduced support. This local differentiation allows the outsole to provide both durability and flexibility where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If uniform support is provided across the entire outsole, then stability is improved, but natural foot movement is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidnatural foot movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole provides differentiated support levels across different foot regions: full support in the forefoot and rear sections, reduced support at the first metatarsal head, and flexible support in the midsection. This allows the outsole to maintain overall stability while accommodating natural foot movement and biomechanics in specific areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If more material is used for comprehensive support, then durability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is segmented into regions with different material densities and structural complexities. The raised grid lattice in the forefoot uses more material for durability, while the reverse grid lattice in the midsection uses less material to reduce weight, optimizing the balance between durability and weight across the entire outsole

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Material is strategically distributed based on local requirements: higher material concentration in the forefoot for durability, reduced material at the first metatarsal head for weight reduction, and optimized material distribution in the midsection for flexibility, achieving overall durability without excessive weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12550972B1Footwear component

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 HBN SHOE LLC

AI summary

An outsole for footwear includes a substrate having an upper surface. A raised grid pattern is formed on the forefoot and rear sections of the substrate upper surface, and a reverse grid pattern is formed on a midsection of the substrate upper surface.