Shoe Outer Sole Assembly with Segmented Core and Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe outer sole assemblies made from multiple synthetic materials face challenges such as non-optimized mechanical properties, difficulty in gluing due to inflexible edges, insufficient fatigue resistance, complexity in structure, fragility, and increased weight, particularly in areas like cross-country skiing.

Innovation Solution

A shoe outer sole assembly featuring a core made of a first material with a plate and bosses, covered by a second material with different properties, creating a three-dimensional joining surface that enhances mechanical strength and simplifies the structure, while optimizing mechanical properties across its subdivisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple synthetic materials are used to produce the outer sole assembly, then the mechanical properties of certain subdivisions are optimized, but the structure becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical properties of subdivisionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer sole assembly is segmented into a core made of a first synthetic material and a cover made of a second synthetic material. This segmentation allows different material properties to be assigned to different functional zones: the core provides structural support and stiffness, while the cover provides flexibility and comfort. The core includes a plate and at least one boss, creating distinct functional regions without requiring complex multi-material construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining two different synthetic materials - a first material for the core and a second material for the cover. This composite approach optimizes mechanical properties by placing each material where it is most effective: the stiffer first material in the core for structural integrity, and the more flexible second material in the cover for comfort and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If the edges of the sole are made rigid to transmit driving impulses, then the precision of impulse transmission is improved, but the edges become inflexible and difficult to glue to the upper

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpulse transmission precisionVSAvoidgluing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sole assembly applies local quality by making different regions have different rigidity characteristics. The core provides rigid support for impulse transmission in central regions, while the cover material provides flexibility at the edges. This allows the edges to be flexible enough for gluing to the upper, while central regions remain stiff for precise impulse transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the sole assembly is made strong and rigid, then the fatigue resistance is improved, but the weight of the sole assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefatigue resistanceVSAvoidsole assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of a first material core and second material cover provides an optimal weight-strength balance. The core uses a stiffer material for fatigue resistance and structural integrity, while the cover uses a lighter, more flexible material. This combination maintains fatigue resistance without the excessive weight that would result from making the entire sole assembly from a single rigid material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2347666B1Shoe with improved bottom assembly
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 SALOMON SA
  • EP2347666B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2347666B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2347666B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The footwear (1) has an outer bottom (2) whose length extends from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), width extends between a lateral side (6) and a medial side and height extends between a free face (8) and a connection face (9) defined by a plate (16) of a core of the bottom. Lateral rear bosses, medial rear bosses, lateral metatarsal bosses (24-27), medial metatarsal bosses (33-35), lateral front bosses, a medial front boss (37) and another medial front boss are projected from the plate towards the free face. The bottom has a cover (40) that partially covers the plate and the bosses.