Segmented Sole Structure for Regional Cushioning and Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shoes have a unitary midsole and outsole extending continuously from the heel to the forefoot, limiting the ability to customize properties and providing uniform support and cushioning across the sole structure.

Innovation Solution

A sole structure with multiple plates and cushions, including a first plate extending from the forefoot to the heel, a second plate in the forefoot region coupled to the outsole, and a forefoot cushion supporting the anterior end of the first plate, with a gap between the forefoot and heel cushions, and a bridge portion connecting them, allowing for customized cushioning and support properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a unitary midsole and outsole extending continuously from heel to forefoot is used, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the ability to customize cushioning and support properties in different regions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcustomizable cushioning and support properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure is divided into multiple discrete components including a forefoot cushion, a heel cushion, and a midfoot bridge portion. These segments can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, allowing customization of cushioning and support properties in different regions while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each portion of the sole structure is designed with specific local properties: the forefoot cushion provides anterior support, the heel cushion provides posterior cushioning, and the midfoot bridge portion provides arch support. This allows each region to be optimized for its specific function rather than using a uniform structure throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plates and cushions are used in the sole structure, then customizable cushioning and support properties are improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable cushioning and support propertiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure uses a segmented design with discrete plates and cushions that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows for customization of cushioning and support properties while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-plate and cushion structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing cushioning, support, stability, and energy return. The same components work together to achieve these different functions, reducing the need for separate specialized elements for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a unitary sole structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but weight is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sole structure is segmented into multiple plates and cushions that work together to provide structural stability. This segmentation allows for strategic placement of material only where needed for support, reducing overall weight while maintaining stability through the coordinated arrangement of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sole structure uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: rigid plates provide structural stability and support, while cushioning materials provide shock absorption and comfort. This composite approach optimizes the weight-to-strength ratio by using each material only where its properties are most beneficial

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4631383A1Sole structure for an article of footwear

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 PUMA SE

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AI summary

A sole structure (204) for an article of footwear includes a first plate (252), a second plate (254) and a third plate (256). The first plate (252) has a first anterior end (262) disposed adjacent a toe end (236) of the sole structure (204) and a first posterior end (264) disposed within a heel region (212) of the sole structure (204). The second plate (254) has a second anterior end (266) disposed adjacent the toe end (236) and a second posterior end (268) disposed in a midfoot region (226) of the sole structure (204). The third plate (256) has a third anterior end (270) disposed adjacent the toe end (236) and a third posterior end (272) disposed in the midfoot region (226). A first cushion (206) is arranged between the first plate (252) and the second plate (254), and wherein the second plate (254) and the third plate (256) are coplanar in the forefoot region (208).