Segmented Sole Plate Structure for Rigidity and Bendability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sole structures with added rigidity for support restrict foot movements, leading to increased joint load and potential injury during activities like trail running, while removing the rigidity component compromises stability and impact absorption.

Innovation Solution

A sole structure with a plate between the outsole and midsole, featuring cuts and movable portions defined by phantom lines, allowing independent movement and localized bending to maintain rigidity without compromising flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a plate made of plastic or composite material is added to improve rigidity, then stable support of the foot is improved, but bendability of the sole structure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidbendability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into multiple segments by forming cuts that extend from the peripheral edge in first and second intersecting directions, creating multiple movable portions that can bend independently while maintaining overall structural rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with movable portions that can independently bend and adapt to foot movements, allowing the sole structure to maintain rigidity while accommodating necessary flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plate is removed to increase bendability, then flexibility of foot movements is improved, but stable support and impact reduction capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebendabilityVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of removing the plate entirely, it is segmented into movable portions through cuts, allowing the plate to maintain its rigidity while gaining the ability to bend locally at the cut regions, thus preserving both support and flexibility functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the sole structure is made more flexible to reduce joint load, then foot movement flexibility is improved, but impact absorption capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot movement flexibilityVSAvoidimpact force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate with movable portions provides dynamic response to forces applied to the sole structure, allowing controlled flexibility during foot movement while maintaining rigidity for impact absorption, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and impact protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12471664B2Sole structure and shoe having the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 MIZUNO CORPORATION

AI summary

The present disclosure ensures the rigidity of a sole structure without loss of the bendability of the sole structure. A sole structure includes a plate that is arranged between an outsole and a midsole and is made of a material having higher rigidity than the outsole and the midsole. The plate has a plurality of cuts and a plurality of movable portions (movable portions) defined by phantom lines running along extending directions of the cuts. The movable portions are configured to be movable independently of each other in a thickness direction of the sole structure.