Shoe Sole With Compressible Protrusions for Anatomical Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles made of expanded polyurethane (EP) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) fail to adequately adapt to the user's foot shape, leading to discomfort, especially for individuals with overpronation or excessive supination, and suffer from reduced shock absorption and elastic return over time due to material characteristics and the use of compressible pads.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole with a plantar-like perimetric shape comprising multiple layers, including an elastic supporting structure and a mid-sole with elastically compressible protrusions and axial cavities, providing anatomical support and maintaining cushioning and thrust capabilities over time, while being structurally simple and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mid-sole made of EVA or EP is used, then shock absorption and elastic return are provided, but the sole adapts slowly to the foot shape and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-sole is divided into multiple layers with different material properties. The first mid-sole layer (501) provides shock absorption, while the second mid-sole layer (502) provides anatomical adaptation. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between shock absorption and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining different materials in the mid-sole structure. The first mid-sole layer uses EVA or EP for shock absorption, while the second mid-sole layer uses a different material that adapts quickly to foot shape. This composite approach allows both shock absorption and rapid anatomical adaptation to coexist.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid supporting elements are inserted in the medial wall, then overpronation and excessive supination are addressed, but comfort and anatomical adaptation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rigid elements, the patent applies local quality changes by varying the material properties of the second mid-sole layer (502) in different regions. The material density and flexibility are locally adjusted to provide support where needed for pronation control while maintaining overall comfort and anatomical adaptation.
3Reliability
If pads are added to the heel area, then impact absorption is increased, but the mid-sole loses elasticity and shock absorption over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the second mid-sole layer (502) to have high elasticity and durability. This material selection ensures that the impact absorption capability is maintained over time without the degradation that occurs with conventional pads, resolving the contradiction between impact absorption and longevity.
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 effectively adapts to the user's foot shape, maintains cushioning and thrust capacities, and provides adequate anatomical support for users with pronation or supination issues, enhancing comfort and performance by ensuring consistent shock absorption and energy return.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality and a second plurality of elastically compressible protrusions protruding downward from the first lower surface, each one having an axial cavity
Implementation Method 2
which is elastic and on an upper surface of which there is at least one seat for at least one mid-sole
Data Source
AI summary
A plantar shaped shoe sole constituted by layers includes a mid-sole constituted by a body and elastically compressible protrusions protruding downward from a body lower surface, each having an axial cavity and first holes. An upper surface of the body has holes associated with first holes of each protrusion. First protrusions are arranged at a central area of the heel and forefoot of the body and have a greater protruding height than second protrusions. First and second protrusions have first and second apices, respectively, forming anatomically-contoured curved surfaces, formed at protrusion free ends, opposite the body lower surface. Each axial cavity extends from the upper surface to their respective apex. There are more forefoot region first holes of first protrusions than second protrusions. The sole includes a tread and an elastic plantar supporting structure, at least one seat on the upper surface wherein the apices are positioned on the seat.