Shoe Plate Positioning for Windlass Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoes with integrated resilient plates for energy storage and propulsion impair the natural windlass mechanism of the foot, leading to reduced strain on toe muscles and weakened calf and Achilles tendons due to impaired dorsal flexion and propulsion stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A sole with a plate extending from the tarsal to the toe area, specifically positioned under the big toe to support natural windlass function, featuring a stiffening structure and curvatures that enhance flexural rigidity and counteract overpronation, allowing for efficient energy release during foot lift-off for improved propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a resilient plate is integrated into the sole for energy storage and propulsion, then running efficiency and propulsion are improved, but the natural windlass mechanism is impaired leading to reduced muscle engagement and weakened calf and Achilles tendons
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region under the big toe that allows dorsal flexion to maintain windlass mechanism function, and a second region under the remaining toes that provides support. This segmentation enables different parts of the plate to perform different functions - preserving natural biomechanics in the critical big toe area while providing structural support elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate exhibits local quality variations through different structural characteristics in different regions. The first region has reduced stiffness to allow natural toe movement, while the second region has increased stiffness for support. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing rigidity where needed while maintaining flexibility where natural movement is essential for the windlass mechanism.
2Strength
If the plate extends across the entire sole including under all toes, then structural support and energy storage are improved, but the windlass mechanism is impaired due to restricted toe dorsal flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into a first region under the big toe and a second region under the remaining toes. The second region extends across the metatarsal area to provide structural support, while the first region is specifically designed with reduced stiffness to allow unrestricted dorsal flexion of the big toe, thereby preserving the windlass mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate have different stiffness properties. The second region has higher stiffness for structural support, while the first region has lower stiffness to permit natural toe movement. This local quality differentiation allows the plate to simultaneously provide overall structural integrity while maintaining local flexibility where the windlass mechanism requires it.
3Power
If the plate material is made stiffer to improve propulsion, then energy release during take-off is enhanced, but the ability to allow natural toe movement and maintain windlass mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate exhibits spatially varying stiffness properties. The second region has higher stiffness to provide structural support and enhance energy storage/release for propulsion, while the first region has reduced stiffness specifically engineered to allow natural dorsal flexion of the big toe during the windlass mechanism operation, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation and movement freedom.
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 solution supports the natural windlass mechanism, enhancing propulsion and reducing overpronation while maintaining muscle engagement similar to running without shoes, thereby improving running efficiency and foot biomechanics.
Implementation Method 1
During running, energy is stored in the plate due to the deformation of the plate when the foot touches down. This energy is then released again when the foot lifts off through rebound.
Implementation Method 2
The plate has a stiffening structure at least in the midfoot region and the toe region, which increases the flexural rigidity of the plate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Sole (3) for a shoe (1), in particular a sports or running shoe, wherein a plate (10) is arranged on or in the sole (3), which extends from a tarsal region (W) over a midfoot region (M) to a toe region (Z) of the sole (3), wherein the plate (10) extends in the toe region (Z) with its distal end at least to the region of the terminal phalanx I (PDI) of the big toe (I), wherein the plate (10) is designed such that in the toe region (Z) it is arranged substantially only in the region or below the proximal phalanx I (PPI) and the terminal phalanx I (PDI) of the big toe (I).