Shoe Sole with Expanded Material Regions for Shear Force Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles fail to effectively absorb shear forces during running, leading to excessive burden on the movement apparatus and increased risk of injury, while attempts to enhance shear capacity compromise stability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole design featuring a cushioning element with randomly arranged expanded material and a control element that selectively influences shear capacity, allowing for regions of varying intrinsic shear resistance, thereby absorbing and cushioning both vertical and horizontal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shear capacity of the shoe sole is increased to absorb shear forces during running, then the protection against injury is improved, but the stability of the shoe is reduced leading to increased risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into different regions with different material properties: a first region with expanded material providing shear capacity, and a second region without expanded material providing stability. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole is segmented into multiple regions with distinct characteristics - the first region contains expanded material particles for shear force absorption, while the second region has a different material composition for stability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing different functions to different parts.
2Reliability
If the shear capacity of the shoe sole is increased to absorb shear forces, then the burden on movement apparatus is reduced, but the wear comfort is reduced due to sensation of slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The sole implements local quality by providing shear capacity only in the first region where it is needed for injury protection, while the second region maintains firm contact with the ground to prevent slipping sensation and maintain comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole is segmented into functional zones: the first region with expanded material for shear absorption, and the second region without expanded material for stable ground contact. This segmentation ensures that shear capacity is provided only where necessary without compromising overall comfort.
3Reliability
If a sole construction with multiple independent parts is used to absorb shear forces, then the shear force absorption is improved, but the weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the shear force absorption function into the sole material itself through the use of expanded material particles in a specific region, rather than using separate independent components. This integration maintains functionality while simplifying the overall structure and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole uses a composite material structure where expanded material particles are incorporated into the sole material in the first region. This composite approach provides the necessary shear capacity through material properties rather than mechanical components, reducing complexity.
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 design enhances running efficiency, reduces joint impact, and improves wear comfort by minimizing the risk of injury and wear, while maintaining stability and adaptability in different regions of the sole.
Implementation Method 1
Expanded thermoplastic urethane distinguishes itself by a low weight and particularly good elasticity and cushioning properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, as well as a shoe with such a sole and a method for its manufacture. According to the invention, a sole for a shoe (2100), in particular a sports shoe, comprises: a.) a midsole (2110) with randomly arranged particles of an expanded material; and b.) an outsole (2150) free from expanded material, wherein c.) the outsole comprises regions (2160, 2165) with continuous material as well as regions (2170, 2175) with material webs interspersed by holes (2152, 2155, 2158) in the outsole, and wherein d.) by the design and arrangement of the continuous material regions and the material webs and holes at least one of the following is influenced: the shearing properties of the midsole, the bending stiffness of the midsole, the torsional stiffness of the midsole, the general roll-off behavior of the midsole. Further aspects of the invention are a shoe with such a sole and a method for the manufacture of such a shoe.