Shoe Damping Element Solid Hollow Piston Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoes have limited flexibility in adjusting cushioning and damping properties, which restricts the ability to customize these characteristics according to specific preferences while maintaining cost-effectiveness in production.
Innovation Solution
The damping element in the midsole consists of a solidly formed second element with a prism or cylinder shape, connected to a first element via an elastic connecting portion, allowing for adjustable cushioning and damping properties by varying the volume and geometry of the solid part, and incorporating a concave surface for enhanced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If damping elements are constructed with hollow first and second elements connected by elastic portions, then cushioning and damping characteristics can be influenced, but the flexibility and range of customization are limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniformly hollow construction to a localized solid structure. Specifically, the second element is formed as a solid portion at least in its end region remote from the first element, while other portions may remain hollow. This allows the damping element to concentrate material where needed for optimal cushioning and damping performance without unnecessarily increasing the overall volume or weight of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining hollow and solid regions within the same damping element. The second element functions as a composite structure with both hollow portions (for weight reduction and space efficiency) and solid portions (for enhanced cushioning and damping characteristics). This composite approach enables tailored mechanical properties within the constrained space of the shoe midsole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the volume and geometry of the solid part in the second element are varied, then wider customization of cushioning and damping properties is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first element, the connecting portion, and the second element into a single integrated damping element formed as one piece. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for multiple components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated solid-hollow geometry. The one-piece construction allows for standardized production processes while maintaining the ability to vary solid portion characteristics for different cushioning and damping requirements.
3Reliability
If a solidly formed second element with concave surface is used, then energy absorption and release during loading and unloading is enhanced, but production cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the geometry of the solid portion in the second element, specifically incorporating a concave surface. This geometric parameter change optimizes the stress distribution and deformation characteristics during loading and unloading cycles, thereby enhancing energy absorption and release. The concave surface configuration allows for improved mechanical performance while maintaining compatibility with standard injection molding or similar forming processes, keeping production costs manageable.
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
This configuration enables significant influence over cushioning and damping properties, allowing for wider customization ranges and cost-effective production, with the ability to absorb and release energy effectively during loading and unloading.
Implementation Method 1
the two mutually assigned elements being connected to each other by means of an elastic connecting portion
Implementation Method 2
the midsole including, at least over part of the impact area of the shoe on the ground, a damping element... which can absorb and release energy effectively during loading and unloading
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper part and a sole, a support and inner part of an intermediate sole and an outer sole. The intermediate sole contains a damping element which comprises a plurality of first elements which are arranged adjacent to each other and which are embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element having a smaller cross-section than the first element can at least partially penetrate. The elements are coaxial. At least one part of the second elements have a prism or cylindrical form and are embodied at least partially as a massive part. Both of the elements, which are associated with each other, are connected together by means of an elastic connection section which only extends between the first element and the second element and the first element, the connecting section and the second element are embodied as a single piece.