Segmented Shoe Sole for Stability and Sensory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible shoes with shock-absorbing soles suffer from instability on uneven ground and incomplete transmission of sensory information, leading to increased fatigue and risk of injury during sports activities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible shoe design featuring a shock-absorbing sole with grooves corresponding to the main joints of the foot, creating stable support zones and precise transmission of impacts and stresses, allowing natural joint mobility and kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cushioning insole is made very flexible with many small platforms connected by connecting elements, then the cushioning insole can flex easily to follow the foot's movement during a gait cycle, but the foot's contact with the ground becomes unstable, particularly on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning insole is divided into multiple small platforms (20-50 platforms) connected by connecting elements, allowing each platform to move independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the insole to adapt to foot movements while providing stable support zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cushioning insole have different platform densities and connecting element configurations to match the anatomical requirements of different foot zones. The platforms are positioned to correspond with main joints of the foot, providing localized support and flexibility where needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the platforms are randomly distributed in the cushioning insole, then the structure can be simpler to manufacture, but the transmission of sensory information between the ground and the foot becomes incomplete or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
Platforms are strategically positioned to correspond with the main joints of the foot (metatarsophalangeal joints, intertarsal joints, etc.), creating a non-random but anatomically-based distribution pattern. This ensures accurate sensory feedback from specific foot regions while maintaining manufacturability through standardized platform designs.
3Reliability
If the cushioning insole uses a significant number of small platforms connected by connecting elements, then the cushioning effect is improved, but user fatigue increases and athletic performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into multiple small platforms (20-50 platforms) that can independently deform and recover, providing superior cushioning through distributed shock absorption. This segmentation allows the insole to follow foot movements naturally, reducing energy loss and fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements between platforms are designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing the platforms to move independently in response to foot movements. This dynamic structure enables the insole to adapt to varying gait patterns and terrain while maintaining cushioning effectiveness and energy efficiency.
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
Enhances stability and sensory feedback, reducing fatigue and injury risk by accurately transmitting ground forces and stresses, improving energy efficiency and sports performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each platform of the cushioning sole, delineated by grooves or portions of grooves, transmits sensory information, support, impacts, and other stresses directly and precisely
Implementation Method 2
the lower face having lower grooves, the upper face having upper grooves... the cushioning insole extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end... aimed to provide stable support zones
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible shoe (1) comprising an external sole (2) and an upper (3), the external sole (2) comprising a cushioning insole (4), the cushioning insole (4) extending lengthwise from a rear extremity (5) to a front extremity (6), widthwise between a lateral side (7) and a medial side (8), and heightwise from a lower face (9) to a superior face (10), the lower face (9) having lower grooves (11, 21, 27, 33, 37, 43), the superior face (10) having upper grooves (14, 24, 30, 35, 40, 45, 47), the lower grooves of the lower face (9) being opposite the upper grooves of the upper face (10). The lower grooves of the lower face (9) and the upper grooves of the upper face (10) correspond to the principal joints of the foot.The lower grooves of the lower face (9) and the upper grooves of the upper face (10) delimit platforms (48 to 68) of the cushioning sole (4).