Segmented Shoe Sole with Intermediate Deformation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoe soles are either too soft, allowing deformation and poor protection on rough ground, or too rigid, providing comfort but inadequate mobility, failing to adapt to irregular surfaces effectively.

Innovation Solution

A shoe sole design comprising a first base component made of elastomers or thermoplastic materials, a second top component of semi-rigid material for stability and flexibility, and a third intermediate component with lower hardness to control and dissipate deformation, preventing its transmission to the foot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sole is made too soft, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but protection against ground roughness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and flexibilityVSAvoidprotection against ground roughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into multiple components with different hardness levels: a first base component (softer) for comfort and flexibility, and a second top component (harder) for protection against ground roughness. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sole have different hardness properties. The base component near the foot is softer for comfort, while the top component contacting the ground is harder for protection. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the sole is made too rigid, then protection against ground roughness is improved, but adaptability to irregular surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against ground roughnessVSAvoidadaptability to irregular surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure is segmented into a rigid top component for protection and a softer base component for adaptability. This allows the sole to maintain protective rigidity while adapting to irregular surfaces through the flexible base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sole uses composite construction with materials of different hardness levels - a harder material for the top protective layer and a softer material for the base layer. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of protection and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sole is made too soft, then adaptability to irregular surfaces is improved, but transmission of deformation to the foot worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to irregular surfacesVSAvoidtransmission of deformation to the foot

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first base component acts as an intermediary between the foot and the ground roughness. It adapts to irregular surfaces while its cushioning properties prevent full transmission of deformations to the foot, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and deformation transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The softer base component provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs and dampens deformations before they reach the foot. This prior cushioning effect allows the sole to adapt to surfaces while protecting the foot from harmful deformation transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 sole effectively adapts to irregular ground, providing stability, traction, and adherence while minimizing wear and ensuring comfortable foot mobility by localized deformation without transferring deformation to the foot.

Implementation Method 1

the first component 2 is such to deform in a localized manner when it engages an obstacle or a roughness R (see FIG. 2), while the third component 4 is such that, when the first component 2 is deformed, it undergoes a localized and limited deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The third intermediate component 4 has an hardness lower that the second top component 3 and is designed to control and dissipate the deformation of the first base component 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12035777B2Shoe sole and a shoe comprising such sole

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 JV INT SRL

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a first base component, at least one second top component connected to the first base component, as well as at least one third intermediate component, interposed between the first base component and the second top component.