Segmented Shoe Sole Rigidity for Oblique Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles do not effectively manage rigidity to enhance contact area when stepping on surfaces at an oblique angle, leading to reduced stability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole design featuring a first sole layer with varying rigidity regions, including a more flexible second region extending in the longitudinal direction, and optionally incorporating elongated through openings to reduce stiffness in the width direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the shoe sole is made uniformly rigid, then longitudinal stability is maintained, but width direction flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole is divided into different regions with different rigidity characteristics. The first region (central portion) has higher rigidity to provide longitudinal stability, while the second region (lateral portions) has lower rigidity to allow width direction flexibility. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall stability and directional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe sole is segmented into multiple regions with distinct rigidity characteristics. The first region extends from the toe to the heel along the centerline, while the second region is divided into first and second portions on either side of the first region. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, achieving both longitudinal stability and width flexibility simultaneously.
2Strength
If the shoe sole rigidity is increased, then structural strength is improved, but contact area on inclined surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the shoe sole have different rigidity levels optimized for their specific functions. The first region maintains higher rigidity for structural strength and support, while the second region has lower rigidity to enable deformation and increase contact area when the shoe contacts surfaces at oblique angles. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If through openings are added to reduce stiffness, then width direction flexibility is improved, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The through openings are strategically placed only in the second region where reduced rigidity is desired for width direction flexibility. The first region maintains solid construction to preserve structural integrity and longitudinal strength. This localized application of openings resolves the contradiction between flexibility and structural integrity by applying the flexibility-enhancing feature only where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe sole includes a first sole layer, a second sole layer and a third sole layer. The first sole layer includes a first region, a second region and a cleat engagement part. The second sole layer at least partly overlaps the first sole layer. The second sole layer is disposed between the first and third sole layers. The second region s more flexible than the first region. The second sole layer is more flexible than the first region. The third sole layer is less rigid than the first region. The second region includes at least one elongated through opening of located laterally between the cleat engagement part and at least one of the side edges of the first sole layer. The third sole layer includes at least one opening aligned with the at least one elongated through opening.