Shoe Sole Member With Intermediate Polymer Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shoe sole members with different hardness regions integrated in a plastic mold exhibit sudden changes in cushioning properties at boundaries, leading to discomfort for users.

Innovation Solution

A shoe sole member formed by at least two types of polymer compositions, with a third part being a mixture of these compositions between the first and second parts, providing intermediate properties and reducing significant changes in properties for enhanced comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If multiple foam members with different hardness are integrated in a plastic mold, then different hardness regions can be formed in the shoe sole member, but sudden changes in cushioning properties occur at the boundaries between members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardness variationVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by forming different hardness regions (first, second, and third parts) with distinct cushioning properties in specific locations of the shoe sole member. The first part has higher hardness for support, the second part has lower hardness for cushioning, and the third part provides intermediate properties at the boundary, creating localized functional zones that balance support and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The third part acts as an intermediary region between the first and second parts, providing intermediate hardness properties that gradually transition between the high-hardness first part and the low-hardness second part. This intermediary zone prevents sudden changes in cushioning properties at the boundaries, reducing discomfort for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If polymer compositions with significantly different properties are used for different parts, then functional differentiation is achieved, but strong reaction forces occur at the interfaces between parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional differentiationVSAvoidreaction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different polymer compositions to different regions: the first part uses a polymer composition with higher hardness for structural support, the second part uses a polymer composition with lower hardness for cushioning, and the third part uses an intermediate polymer composition at the boundary. This creates functional differentiation while managing interface forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The third part serves as an intermediary zone between the first and second parts, using a polymer composition that is intermediate in hardness between the two extreme compositions. This intermediary composition reduces the abrupt mechanical property changes at interfaces, thereby minimizing strong reaction forces that would otherwise occur between the high-hardness first part and the low-hardness second part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11576461B2Shoe sole member, method for producing the same, and shoe

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 ASICS CORP

AI summary

Provided is a shoe sole member formed by at least two types of polymer compositions, a first composition and a second polymer composition, including: a first part formed by the first polymer composition; a second part formed by the second polymer composition; and a third part formed by a mixture of the first polymer composition and the second polymer composition between the first part and the second part.