Running Shoe Sole Energy Dissipation via Fluid Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Athletic shoes fail to adequately absorb and dissipate impact energy from foot strikes, leading to repetitive stress injuries, and lack effective cooling mechanisms for increased comfort.
Innovation Solution
A shoe structure featuring compressible members with internal voids containing a working fluid, connected via fluid conduits with flow restriction elements, and integrated resilient structural members for energy dissipation, along with cooling elements and electromagnetic systems for enhanced energy absorption and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If resilient mechanical elements are used to absorb impact energy, then energy dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe structure is divided into multiple independent compressible members (first and second plurality of compressible members) distributed throughout the sole. Each member contains its own working fluid and can be independently compressed during foot strike, allowing energy dissipation to be distributed across multiple simple units rather than one complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic elements (compressible members containing working fluid) to absorb and dissipate impact energy. The fluid compression and transfer between connected compressible members provides energy dissipation through pressure changes and flow restriction, replacing complex mechanical spring-damper systems with simpler pneumatic components.
2Temperature
If cooling elements are integrated into the shoe structure, then thermal comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the pneumatic medium for energy absorption in the compressible members and as a cooling agent that circulates through the shoe structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, reducing overall device complexity while providing both impact protection and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is merged with the energy absorption system by using the same working fluid for both purposes. The fluid that compresses the pneumatic elements during impact also flows through cooling passages to remove heat from the foot, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated system.
3Loss of energy
If fluid transfer elements are added to connect compressible members, then energy dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid conduits act as intermediaries connecting the compressible members, allowing working fluid to transfer between them during compression. This fluid-mediated energy transfer and dissipation mechanism is simpler than direct mechanical linkages between compressible elements, as the fluid automatically flows in response to pressure differences without requiring complex valves or actuators.
4Loss of energy
If flow restriction elements are incorporated into fluid conduits, then energy dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flow restriction elements modify the flow parameters (restricting fluid flow rate) between compressible members during compression. This passive parameter change creates energy dissipation through flow resistance and pressure drops, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms or complex valve systems while still achieving effective energy absorption.
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 shoe structure effectively dissipates foot strike energy, reduces stress on the foot, and provides cooling for increased comfort by utilizing fluid transfer and resilient structural elements, as well as electromagnetic energy dissipation, thereby enhancing endurance and reducing injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
the first working fluid is transferred from the related compressible member to the mating compressible member responsive to compression induced by foot strike
Implementation Method 2
The resilient structural members deform responsive to compression of the foot bed induced by foot strike provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery
Implementation Method 3
The second working fluid additionally bathes the compressible members, conduits and flow restriction elements for heat transfer and energy dissipation
Implementation Method 4
An induction coil encircling the compressible member is operatively connected to a resistive element for energy dissipation responsive to electromagnetically generated current resulting from relative motion of the buoyant magnet
Implementation Method 5
A repelling magnet having opposite polarity to the buoyant magnet is mounted proximate the bottom of the compressible member to prevent bottoming out of the buoyant magnet during compression
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shoe structure for foot strike energy dissipation employs compressible members having an internal void containing a first working fluid A set of mating compressible members connected to a related one of the first compressible members through a fluid conduit such that the first working fluid is transferred from the related compressible member to the mating compressible member responsive to compression induced by foot strike A sole pad and foot bed intermediately constrain the compressible members Cooling tubes are provided for energy dissipation of the second working fluid which bathes the compressible members, conduits and resilient elements A buoyant magnet carried within the void of at least one compressible member is displaced within the compressible member responsive to foot strike An induction coil encircling the compressible member is operatively connected to a resistive element for energy dissipation responsive to electromagnetically generated current resulting from relative motion of the buoyant magnet