Segmented Shoe Sole Structure for Kicking Flex and Running Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles do not adequately balance increased plantarflexion for enhanced kicking performance with stability during running and other athletic movements.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with a midfoot portion featuring connectors and a resilient component that allows differential bending stiffness in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions, enabling increased plantarflexion for kicking while maintaining stability during running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sole structure is made more flexible to allow increased plantarflexion for enhanced kicking performance, then kicking velocity is improved, but stability during running and other athletic movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple segments including a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion with multiple connectors. This segmentation allows different regions to have different degrees of flexibility and stability, enabling the forefoot to flex for kicking while the heel and midfoot provide stability during running.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient component is positioned at specific locations within the midfoot portion, creating localized flexibility where needed while maintaining rigidity in other areas. The first resilient component is coupled between specific connectors to provide targeted plantarflexion assistance without compromising overall structural stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sole structure is made stiffer to provide stability during running, then stability is improved, but plantarflexion capability for kicking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure incorporates resilient components that dynamically adjust the stiffness characteristics based on the bending direction. During plantarflexion (kicking), the resilient components allow greater movement, while during dorsiflexion (running), the structure maintains higher stiffness for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure changes its mechanical parameters (bending stiffness) based on the direction of force applied. The midfoot portion is designed with different bending stiffness values for plantarflexion versus dorsiflexion, allowing optimized performance for both kicking and running through parameter variation rather than a fixed stiffness value.
3Ease of operation
If the resilient component is positioned closer to the forefoot to maximize plantarflexion, then kicking performance is improved, but structural balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient components are positioned asymmetrically within the midfoot portion, with the first resilient component located at a specific distance from the forefoot and heel portions. This asymmetric positioning optimizes the lever arm for plantarflexion while maintaining overall structural balance and preventing excessive rotation or instability.
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
Enhances kicking velocity by allowing greater plantarflexion while providing stability during dorsiflexion, addressing the limitations of traditional soles that prioritize either flexibility or support.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient component coupled to the first connector and the second connector, wherein the midfoot portion has a resting state in which the resilient component has a first length, wherein, when the midfoot portion bends in a dorsiflexion direction, the first connector and the second connector move away from each other and pull the resilient component to a second length longer than the first length
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for a shoe comprises a forefoot portion and a heel portion. A midfoot portion can be coupled to the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The midfoot portion comprises a plurality of connectors disposed on a ground-facing side of the midfoot portion. The midfoot portion comprises a resilient component coupled to the first connector and the second connector. The resilient component and connectors can alter bending characteristics of the midfoot portion.