Semi-rigid Insole Notch Tri-layer Foot Pronation Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe insoles fail to provide adequate comfort and support by not effectively distributing ground reaction forces and accommodating natural foot pronation and supination during the gait cycle.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid shell with a notch and a tri-layer configuration, comprising a semi-rigid material, a flexible material, and a wicking material, designed to distribute forces and allow for natural foot movement, using thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers for support and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid insole structure is used to provide support, then structural stability is improved, but natural foot movement and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple functional layers: a rigid support layer (thermoplastic polyurethane shell) and a flexible comfort layer (thermoplastic elastomer). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the rigid layer provides structural stability while the flexible layer accommodates natural foot movement, resolving the contradiction between support and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the materials used - specifically selecting thermoplastic polyurethane for rigidity and thermoplastic elastomer for flexibility. By adjusting material parameters such as durometer and elasticity, the insole achieves both structural stability and adaptability to foot movement during the gait cycle.
2Force
If a semi-rigid shell is used to distribute ground reaction forces, then force distribution is improved, but flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insole combines two different materials - thermoplastic polyurethane (semi-rigid) and thermoplastic elastomer (flexible) - into a composite structure. The semi-rigid shell distributes ground reaction forces evenly across the foot, while the flexible elastomer layer maintains adaptability and comfort, resolving the contradiction between force distribution and flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If material support is increased to enhance comfort, then support is improved, but breathability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic elastomer layer is designed with porous or open-cell structure that allows air circulation while providing cushioning and comfort. This porous structure enables the material to maintain breathability despite having sufficient thickness for comfort, resolving the contradiction between comfort support and breathability.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe insole includes a semi-rigid shell for providing a wearer with extended comfort. The semi-rigid shell includes a notch which is located on the outward side of the wearer's foot and accommodates pronation of the foot during use. Additionally, the semi-rigid shell includes an extended side portion which is located opposite of the notch side on an inner side of the wearer's foot. The semi-rigid shell is shorter in length than the length of a shoe sole and slightly shorter in width and may be combined with an insole comfort cover to provide cushion between the wearer's foot and the semi-rigid shell.