Shoe Sole Arch Zone Elastic Deformation for Foot Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe soles either impose an unnatural position on the foot due to rigidity or fail to control foot movement effectively due to softness, lacking in natural damping properties during walking or running.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole design featuring an arched arch zone, heel zone, outer edge, and inner edge, with a flexible arch zone that flattens under pressure, guiding the foot's natural shape and absorbing energy to enhance damping and propulsion, while a longitudinally arcuate design and optional fulcrum support further control foot movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sole is made hard to control foot position, then foot position control is improved, but natural damping properties are suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The sole transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that adapts its shape during foot movement. The arch zone is designed to be flexible and deformable, allowing it to change shape as the foot moves from heel strike to toe-off, providing both control and natural damping through its dynamic response.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole employs a flexible arch zone that acts as a thin film structure capable of elastic deformation. This flexible region allows the sole to conform to natural foot movement while maintaining control, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for control and flexibility for natural damping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sole is made soft to allow foot movement, then foot movement freedom is improved, but movement control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into different functional zones with distinct properties: a flexible arch zone for movement freedom and a heel zone with specific geometric features for control. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are given different mechanical properties. The arch zone is made flexible to allow movement, while the heel zone incorporates geometric features (arcuate shape, fulcrum) that provide control during heel strike and body weight transfer.
3Loss of energy
If the arch zone is made flexible to flatten under pressure, then energy absorption is improved, but structural support is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The heel zone is designed with an arcuate (curved) shape that provides structural support through its geometry. The curved shape creates a natural fulcrum point that supports body weight during heel strike, while the overall flexible construction allows energy absorption through deformation.
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 sole provides better control over foot movement, enhances natural damping, reduces the formation of corns or calluses by distributing load evenly, and promotes efficient propulsion through energy absorption and springback properties.
Implementation Method 1
the arch zone is flexible such that it can elastically flatten under the pressure of the foot when the foot is resting on the sole
Implementation Method 2
the flattening of the arch absorbs energy to cushion the contact of the foot with the ground
Implementation Method 3
a blade 10 of elastic material covered by a layer of padding 11
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~10
Figure 11~14
AI summary
The sole (1) has an arched zone extending below an arch of a foot of a user. An external edge (12) and an internal edge (13) extend along external and internal edges of the foot, respectively. The arched zone is arched towards the top between the external and internal edges of the sole. The arched zone is elastically flattened under the pressure of the foot, when the foot is in support on the sole. A large arch deflection is formed towards the front of the arched zone extending under metatarsal bony heads. An elastic strip is covered by a sealing coat. The strip is made of polyoxymethylene such as Delrin(RTM: acetal resin), Hostaform(RTM: polyoxymethylene copolymer), Ultraform(RTM: Acetal polyoxymethylene copolymer) or Kematal(RTM: acetal copolymer).