Shoe Cushioning Lever System for Extended Movement Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoe cushioning systems fail to effectively utilize the available sole thickness for cushioning movement, leading to premature fatigue, injuries, and increased weight due to residual volume and complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A sports shoe with a cushioning system comprising a lower and upper sole element, featuring a rigid angled lever with an angle between 0° and 180°, where the lever is pivotably arranged to transform vertical cushioning movement into deformation of a deformation element, minimizing residual volume and enhancing cushioning path without increasing shoe thickness or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional foamed cushioning elements (EVA) are used in the sole, then good cushioning properties are provided, but the lifetime is limited and the weight is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foamed EVA to thermoplastic polymer, fundamentally altering the cushioning mechanism from material compression to structural deformation. This enables the sole to withstand higher compressive loads while maintaining cushioning properties, directly resolving the lifetime limitation of traditional EVA materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure combining thermoplastic polymer with structural deformation elements. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both material types: the thermoplastic provides durability and load-bearing capacity, while the structural elements provide controlled deformation for cushioning, overcoming the limitations of single-material systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If structural deformation elements are used to replace EVA, then lifetime is improved, but the elements tend to be slightly stiff and provide limited cushioning movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cushioning system where the sole structure can deform and recover elastically under compressive loads. The thermoplastic polymer and structural deformation elements work together to provide controlled, dynamic cushioning movement, allowing the sole to adapt to varying load conditions while maintaining lifetime through reversible deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts the mechanical parameters of the cushioning system by selecting appropriate thermoplastic polymers and structural element configurations. This enables optimization of the balance between stiffness for lifetime and flexibility for cushioning movement, resolving the contradiction between durability and comfort.
3Ease of operation
If the initial volume of cushioning material is increased to avoid bottoming out, then cushioning movement is improved, but the shoe becomes unstable and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cushioning material system with a structural deformation system. Instead of relying on volumetric foam material, the cushioning function is achieved through the elastic deformation of structural elements, eliminating the need for large volumes of heavy material while maintaining cushioning movement and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure where thermoplastic polymer and structural deformation elements work together to provide cushioning. This composite approach achieves effective cushioning movement without requiring the large volumes of material that would increase weight, as the structural elements provide mechanical efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If complex arrangements with multiple springs and levers are used to improve cushioning, then cushioning movement is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cushioning function with the structural elements of the sole itself. Rather than adding separate spring and lever mechanisms, the structural deformation elements are integrated into the sole construction, combining load-bearing and cushioning functions in a single unified structure, thereby reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure provides its own cushioning function through the inherent elastic deformation of the thermoplastic polymer and structural elements. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no additional complex mechanical components, as the sole structure itself performs the cushioning function through controlled deformation under load.
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 allows for extended cushioning movement without excessive thickness or weight, protecting athletes from injuries and extending shoe lifespan by maximizing the use of available space and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the lever is pivotably arranged to transform vertical cushioning movement into deformation of a deformation element
Implementation Method 2
The arrangement of the rigid angled lever and the deformation element according to the invention serves to transform a vertical cushioning movement in the shoe sole into a deformation movement of the deformation element
Implementation Method 3
a deformation element (30, 30') which is deformable in a direction parallel to the extension of the lever arm (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a cushioning system (10, 10') comprising a lower sole element (11) and an upper sole element (19). The cushioning system further comprises at least one lever (20) having at least two arms (21, 23) where an angle α between the arms lies within the range 0° < α < 180°. The first arm (23) is connected to a deformation element (30, 30') and the second arm (21) is connected to one of the two sole elements (11), wherein the lever (20) is pivotably arranged at the other sole element (19).