Sports Shoe Midsole Gas Diffusion for Higher Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving sports shoe performance, particularly through midsole foam development, are time-consuming and costly, and often fail to exceed the performance of existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving placing a shoe in a sealed chamber and applying pressurized gas to migrate gas molecules into the midsole, adjusting properties such as energy return, stiffness, and elasticity by altering the midsole's molecular composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional foam production methods and material development are used to improve midsole performance, then energy return and athletic performance are enhanced, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical-chemical properties of the midsole foam through controlled gas diffusion. By changing parameters such as gas pressure, temperature, and composition during the diffusion process, the energy return and elasticity of the midsole are adjusted without requiring time-consuming material development cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical foam production methods with a diffusion-based process. Instead of mechanically mixing and processing foam materials, the invention uses controlled diffusion of gases into the foam structure to achieve desired performance characteristics, significantly reducing production time
2Reliability
If new base materials for foam are developed to improve performance, then energy return may be increased, but development costs and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a modified version of existing foam structures through gas diffusion rather than developing entirely new materials. The diffusion process copies and enhances the properties of conventional foams, achieving improved energy return while avoiding the high costs of new material development
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves performance improvement through parameter changes in the foam's physical state and composition via controlled gas diffusion, rather than through complex material synthesis. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while enhancing energy return properties
3Productivity
If existing foam solutions are used to maintain current performance levels, then manufacturing remains efficient, but performance improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing a continuous diffusion process that can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows. The gas diffusion process operates continuously to modify foam properties, maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while achieving performance improvements that break through the limitations of conventional foam solutions
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 method efficiently enhances the midsole's energy return and comfort by minimizing energy loss, optimizing athletic performance with reduced time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
applying a pressurized gas to the shoe for a time period, such that molecules of the gas are migrated into a midsole of the shoe
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (1100) for adapting a property, particularly an energy return (150), of a shoe comprising the steps of placing (1110) the shoe in a sealable chamber; sealing (1120) the sealable chamber; applying (1130) a pressurized gas to the shoe for a time period, such that molecules of the gas are migrated into a midsole of the shoe; and relieving (1140) at least a part of the gas from the chamber.