Shoe Sole Recess Structure for Controlled Cushioning Collapse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles fail to effectively control and enhance spring and damping behaviors in a desired and predictable manner.
Innovation Solution
The sole incorporates two groups of recesses with varying dimensions in the vertical and longitudinal directions, arranged in specific patterns to achieve a programmable folding and collapsing behavior, utilizing materials like polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer, to provide engineered damping and spring characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sole is provided with recesses to influence spring and damping behavior, then the spring and damping characteristics can be improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into multiple recesses with different orientations (first group with longitudinal extension, second group with transverse extension) and different sizes, allowing independent control of spring and damping behaviors in different regions and directions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole have locally optimized recesses with specific dimensions and orientations tailored to provide desired spring or damping characteristics in those particular areas, rather than using a uniform design throughout
2Reliability
If recesses are introduced into the sole to achieve desired deformation behavior, then the spring characteristic curve can be optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies parameter ranges for recess dimensions (e.g., longitudinal extension 5-20mm, transverse extension 2-10mm) rather than requiring exact values, allowing manufacturing tolerance while maintaining functional performance. The ratio parameters (e.g., longitudinal to transverse extension ratio between 0.5 and 2.0) provide flexible design space
3Reliability
If the sole is designed with programmable folding and collapsing behavior through recesses, then energy absorption and cushioning are improved, but the wall thickness uniformity control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows wall thickness to vary within a controlled range (0.5 to 2.0 times the average wall thickness) rather than requiring strict uniformity, recognizing that some variation is acceptable and even beneficial for achieving the desired folding and collapsing behavior during 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 design allows for controlled spring deflection and energy absorption, offering improved cushioning and elasticity, resulting in a pleasant wearing experience.
Implementation Method 1
the sole exhibits a desired deformation behaviour in the vertical direction when subjected to the weight of the wearer of the shoe
Implementation Method 2
influence the spring and damping behaviour of the sole in a desired, predetermined improved manner
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction and a vertical extension in a vertical direction and defines a plurality of recesses that extend into the sole structure at least in a transverse direction. The plurality of recesses includes a first row of recesses arranged toward the upper and a second row of recesses arranged vertically below the first row of recesses. Each recess of the plurality of recesses has, without external forces on the sole structure, a peripheral contour forming a shape of a lemniscate when viewed in the transverse direction and are larger in a first direction that in a second direction. The sole structure is configured such that, when an external force is applied to the sole structure, the plurality of recesses collapse in a predetermined manner.