Shoe Midsole Spring Structure for Energy Return and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current footwear technologies inadequately address the need for efficient energy absorption and return systems, which are essential for enhancing comfort and performance during various activities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a shoe device featuring flexible legs made from materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and Pebax, which are configured to store energy when a force is applied and return it when the force is removed, utilizing a spring mechanism integrated into the midsole to provide a trampoline-like effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional footwear materials and structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy absorption and return capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is divided into distinct functional components: an outsole with recesses, midsole foam material filling these recesses, and an upper portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural coherence, enabling improved energy absorption without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials with different properties: a rigid or semi-rigid outsole material for structural support and energy return, a compliant foam midsole material for shock absorption, and an upper material for comfort and fit. This composite approach enables simultaneous improvement of energy absorption, return, and comfort while managing structural complexity through material differentiation
2Power
If advanced materials like carbon fiber and Pebax are used in flexible legs, then energy return capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible legs are designed with curved geometries and specific cross-sectional shapes that enable dynamic energy storage and return during compression and rebound cycles. The curved configuration allows the legs to flex and store elastic energy during impact, then return this energy during the propulsive phase, enhancing power output without requiring complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the flexible legs including leg thickness, curvature radius, material density, and cross-sectional area to maximize energy return capability. By carefully controlling these geometric and material parameters, high performance is achieved while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes suitable for the selected materials
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple springs are integrated into the midsole, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shock absorption function from a complex multi-spring system and implements it through a simplified foam material structure. The midsole foam is configured with specific density, thickness, and cellular structure to provide inherent shock absorption capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple discrete spring components while maintaining effective shock mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
The foam midsole material provides self-service shock absorption through its inherent viscoelastic properties. The material automatically compresses under impact loads and gradually rebounds, dissipating energy without requiring external control mechanisms or multiple active components. This passive shock absorption system reduces device complexity while maintaining protective 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
This solution effectively stores and returns energy, enhancing comfort and performance by mimicking a trampoline effect, thereby improving shock absorption and energy return in footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and are configured to return energy when the force is removed from the common area
Implementation Method 2
a spring extending from a bottom surface of the common area
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, a fourth foot, a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area. The first flexible leg, second flexible leg, third flexible leg, and fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and to return energy when the force is removed from the common area.