Sensory Feedback Outsole with Ground-Contacting Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic footwear with substantial cushioning elements in the sole structure can reduce sensory feedback, making it difficult for athletes to precisely interact with the ground surface, particularly in high-impact activities like skateboarding and performance driving, where precise foot placement is crucial.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensory feedback members into the outsole, comprising firm rubber elements with projections that contact the ground and flexible bristles extending through the sole structure to the internal cavity, allowing for lateral load deflection and multi-axial feedback transmission to the wearer's foot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If substantial cushioning elements are incorporated into the sole structure, then ground reaction forces are attenuated and comfort is improved, but sensory feedback is reduced and foot placement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: cushioning elements are placed in specific regions to attenuate ground reaction forces, while separate sensory feedback members (protrusions) are positioned in other regions to contact the ground and provide tactile feedback. This spatial segmentation allows both cushioning and sensory feedback functions to coexist without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sole structure are assigned different properties: some areas contain compliant cushioning materials for comfort, while other areas contain firm sensory feedback members for precise ground contact. This local differentiation of material properties and structural characteristics enables simultaneous optimization of both comfort and sensory feedback.
2Reliability
If cushioning elements are added to attenuate ground reaction forces, then foot protection is improved, but foot-to-ground contact clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sensory feedback members act as intermediary elements between the ground and the foot. These protrusions make direct contact with the ground surface, transmitting tactile information about contact clarity to the wearer's foot, while the cushioning elements remain separate to provide protection without interfering with this intermediary feedback mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If the sole structure is designed for precise foot placement, then athletic performance is improved, but cushioning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into distinct functional segments: precision feedback zones with ground-contacting protrusions for accurate foot placement, and cushioning zones with compliant materials for impact attenuation. This segmentation enables the sole to simultaneously provide both precise placement feedback and effective cushioning without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure employs composite construction combining different material types: firm materials for sensory feedback members to ensure precise ground contact, and compliant materials for cushioning elements to provide impact protection. This composite approach allows each material to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated sole system.
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
Enhances the wearer's ability to feel the ground surface, improving foot positioning and control during activities by providing necessary sensory feedback without compromising cushioning, thus enabling better performance and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the first end deflects in a first substantially horizontal direction under lateral loading of the projection and the bristles at the second end deflect in a second substantially horizontal direction opposite the first substantially horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.