Shoe Composite Structure with Perforated Cushioning Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe constructions, particularly for women, face challenges in achieving a balance of lightweight and durable comfort, as they often require thinner and lighter materials without compromising on functionality, which existing cushioning technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A shoe construction featuring an intermediate composite structure with a rigid support member extending from the heel to the ball area, incorporating multiple cushion members with perforations for enhanced flexibility and comfort, and a lightweight outsole design that includes a breathable lining and a composite structure with layered materials such as foam and fiberboard for improved support and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cushioning components are added to improve comfort, then comfort and shock absorption are improved, but weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe construction divides cushioning into discrete zones: a first cushion member in the heel area and a second cushion member in the forefoot area, rather than using uniform cushioning throughout. This segmentation allows comfort to be provided where needed while minimizing overall weight and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cushioning characteristics are applied to different regions of the shoe. The heel area receives a first cushion member with specific properties, while the forefoot area receives a second cushion member with different properties optimized for that region's needs, achieving localized comfort without uniform bulk.
2Reliability
If cushioning components are added to improve comfort, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second cushion members are integrated into a single intermediate composite structure that is secured as one unit between the outsole and the upper. This merging approach provides comprehensive shock absorption across multiple zones while simplifying assembly and reducing the number of separate components.
3Weight of moving object
If thinner construction is used for women's shoes, then weight and aesthetics are improved, but comfort and support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate composite structure is divided into discrete cushioning zones (heel and forefoot) rather than using continuous thick cushioning throughout. This allows the shoe to remain thin and lightweight in non-critical areas while providing targeted comfort and support where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Thinner construction is used in areas where full cushioning is not required, while localized cushioning members are placed specifically in the heel and forefoot areas to provide necessary comfort and support, achieving a balance between thinness and functionality.
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 solution provides increased flexibility by at least 25% in the ball area compared to the midfoot portion, offering improved comfort and durability while maintaining a lightweight design suitable for women's shoes, addressing the need for enhanced comfort and support without adding bulk.
Implementation Method 1
Gels have been used for comfort, particularly shock absorption for impact, for example, during running or exercising
Implementation Method 2
The first cushion member provides a flexural discontinuity in the ball area
Implementation Method 3
The first cushion member and the support member can each have a plurality of perforations in the ball area
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate composite structure and an outsole. The composite structure underlies at least a portion of the upper and overlies at least a portion of the outsole. The composite structure includes cushion members with one cushion member being positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer and another cushion member being positioned to underlie the ball of the foot. The cushion member underlying the ball may be perforated. The composite structure can also include a relatively rigid lower member which can be perforated in the area of the ball of the foot underlying the cushion member for the ball of the foot. The composite structure can provide a flexure discontinuity in the shoe forward of the midfoot zone of the shoe.