Shoe Midsole with Linear Cuts for Impact Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running shoes with thicker soles for improved impact buffering properties often compromise stability due to reduced volume of foam material, leading to potential injuries and performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a midsole with multiple laminated layers and strategically placed linear cuts on its surface or interior, which promotes shear deformation to enhance impact buffering without compromising stability, particularly in regions like the heel and forefoot, and can be tailored to specific load zones and movement directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sole thickness is increased to improve impact buffering properties, then the impact buffering properties are improved, but the stability deteriorates due to increased distance from the ground to the body's center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into multiple layer members (first layer member, second layer member, etc.) with different material properties and functions. Each layer can be independently optimized for specific performance characteristics while maintaining overall stability through the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the midsole are provided with different material densities and cut patterns. High-density regions provide stability and support, while low-density regions with cuts provide enhanced impact buffering. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both stability and impact buffering properties.
2Ease of operation
If a void is provided in the midsole to improve flexibility, then the flexibility is improved, but the volume of foam material is reduced leading to deteriorated stability and repulsion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a single large void, the midsole is segmented into multiple layers with strategic cuts in specific regions. This segmentation allows flexibility where needed while maintaining foam material volume and stability in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Cuts are provided only in specific low-density regions rather than throughout the entire midsole. This local modification provides flexibility in areas requiring it while preserving the stability-providing foam material in areas where structural support is needed.
3Strength
If cuts are provided in the midsole to promote shear deformation and improve impact buffering, then the impact buffering properties are improved, but the volume of foam material is reduced leading to deteriorated stability
Solution Approach 1:
Cuts are strategically positioned only in specific regions of the midsole where they can maximize shear deformation and impact buffering effectiveness. By concentrating cuts in optimal locations rather than distributing them uniformly, the foam material volume is preserved while still achieving enhanced impact buffering properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole is divided into multiple layers with cuts provided in specific layers at specific positions. This segmentation allows cuts to be placed where they provide maximum benefit for shear deformation while minimizing the overall volume of foam material removed.
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 cut design improves impact buffering properties while maintaining stability, even on uneven surfaces, by allowing for targeted deformation and weight distribution without reducing the volume of foam material, thus preventing injuries and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
shear deformation of the midsole, with the cut as a boundary, can be promoted when a load is applied to the midsole
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe includes a sole having a midsole formed by a plurality of layer members laminated together, and an upper portion joined to the sole, The plurality of layer members of the midsole includes a cut having a linear shape, and a depth from a first height position to a second height position in a thickness direction.