Segmented Sports Shoe Sole for Cushioning and Push-Off Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles are uniformly designed and inadequately adapted to the varying loads experienced during different phases of the gait cycle, failing to provide adequate cushioning, support, and stability for the musculoskeletal system.
Innovation Solution
A sole with distinct partial regions of varying stiffness and contact area, where the first region supports dynamic push-off with increased stiffness and ground contact on the medial side, and the second region cushions impact forces on the lateral side, utilizing expanded materials like eTPU and ePEBA for enhanced energy return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shoe sole is uniformly designed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot adequately adapt to the different loads acting on the sole during different phases of the gait cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole is divided into multiple partial regions (first partial region with increased stiffness and second partial region with reduced stiffness) that correspond to different functional zones. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific gait phases - the first partial region for push-off and the second for impact absorption - thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by creating a modular yet integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different partial regions of the shoe sole are assigned different stiffness properties and contact area characteristics tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first partial region has increased stiffness and larger contact area for push-off stability, while the second partial region has reduced stiffness for impact cushioning. This local differentiation enables the sole to adapt to varying loads during the gait cycle without requiring complete structural redesign
2Force
If the sole region for push-off is made softer, then impact forces are better cushioned, but dynamic push-off is hindered and ground contact stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into functionally distinct partial regions where the first partial region (for push-off) and second partial region (for impact absorption) have different stiffness properties. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the push-off region to maintain increased stiffness for stability while the impact region uses reduced stiffness for cushioning, with both regions working together during the gait cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The first partial region is specifically designed with increased stiffness and larger contact area to provide stability and effective force transmission during push-off, while the second partial region has reduced stiffness optimized for impact absorption. This local quality differentiation ensures that push-off performance is not compromised by impact cushioning requirements, as each region is optimized for its specific function
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sole region for push-off has smaller contact area with ground, then flexibility is increased, but ground contact stability and grip are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole configuration is segmented into partial regions with different contact area characteristics. The first partial region is designed with larger contact area to maximize ground contact stability and grip during push-off, while the second partial region has smaller contact area optimized for impact absorption. This segmentation allows the sole to achieve both stability and functional differentiation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first partial region is configured with increased contact area specifically in the push-off zone to enhance ground contact stability and grip when needed most, while other regions maintain appropriate contact characteristics for their functions. This local optimization of contact area resolves the contradiction between stability and complexity by applying larger contact area only where it provides functional benefit
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 cushions impact forces while facilitating dynamic push-off, providing improved stability and grip, thus reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance.
Implementation Method 1
During impact of the foot, for example, large impact forces may act which should be cushioned and dampened by the sole
Implementation Method 2
it is advantageous if the energy expended for the deformation of the sole is at least partially returned to the foot of the wearer
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular a sole for a sports shoe, and a shoe with such a sole. According to an aspect of the invention, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sole for a sports shoe, is provided, which comprises a cushioning element and a protection element. Herein, the sole comprises a first partial region and a second partial region, wherein the cushioning element comprises a greater stiffness in the first partial region than in the second partial region and wherein, when trading down with the sole on a ground, the protection element comprises a larger contact area with the ground in the first partial region than in the second partial region.