Shearing Midsole Structure for Cushioning With Lower Joint Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles, particularly in sports shoes, fail to provide optimal cushioning and energy return while minimizing joint impact and muscle fatigue, often requiring bulky components and high-performance foams that increase joint loads.
Innovation Solution
A sole with a midsole comprising distinct upper and lower layers and a shearing structure that allows relative movement between them, utilizing sliding friction and internal friction to dampen forces and reduce kinetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-performance foams and bulky components are used to improve cushioning, then cushioning performance is improved, but joint loads and muscle fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into an upper midsole layer and a lower midsole layer that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the cushioning function to be distributed across two layers with different properties, reducing the need for bulky high-performance foams while maintaining cushioning effectiveness and reducing joint loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower midsole layer is designed to move relative to the upper midsole layer through a shearing structure, creating a dynamic cushioning system. This relative movement allows the sole to adapt to impact forces in real-time, providing effective cushioning without requiring excessive material that would increase joint loads.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the midsole is made lighter to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but cushioning and stabilization performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the midsole into two functional layers with a shearing structure, the patent achieves lightweight construction without sacrificing cushioning or stabilization. The upper layer provides stabilization while the lower layer provides cushioning, and their relative movement enhances energy absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the midsole by introducing a shearing structure that allows controlled relative movement between layers. This parameter change enables the lightweight midsole to dissipate impact energy through friction and deformation, maintaining cushioning and stabilization performance without increasing weight.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer midsole structure is used to simplify construction, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but cushioning effectiveness and energy return are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into an upper layer and a lower layer with distinct functions. The upper layer primarily provides stabilization while the lower layer provides cushioning, allowing each layer to be optimized for its specific function and improving overall cushioning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shearing structure between the two layers enables dynamic interaction during impact events. The relative movement and friction between layers create additional energy dissipation mechanisms that enhance cushioning effectiveness beyond what a single-layer structure could achieve.
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 shearing structure enhances cushioning, reduces joint loading, and minimizes muscle fatigue, allowing for improved athletic performance and reduced injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing sliding friction and internal friction to dampen forces and reduce kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
utilizing sliding friction and internal friction to dampen forces and reduce kinetic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sole (101) for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, the sole (101) comprising: a midsole (110) comprising an upper midsole layer (120) and a lower midsole layer (125), the upper midsole layer (120) and the lower midsole layer (125) being distinct from one another; and a shearing structure (130), arranged in the midsole (110); wherein the shearing structure (130) is configured to allow a relative movement between the upper midsole layer (120) and the lower midsole layer (125).