Regenerative Shoe Sole With Locked Leaf Spring Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic footwear fails to efficiently capture and return energy during the foot strike phase, resulting in significant energy loss and increased energetic cost of running.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative midsole structure with an energy capture mechanism in the heel region and a connector transferring energy to an energy storage and release device in the forefoot region, utilizing a leaf spring assembly and over-center linkage to store and release energy as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a regenerative midsole with energy capture and release mechanism is implemented, then energy return to the wearer is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct functional segments: an energy capture mechanism in the heel region, a connector system, and an energy storage and release device in the forefoot region. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall energy return system.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector extends from the energy capture mechanism to the energy storage device, serving as an intermediary that translates and transfers the captured energy from the heel region to the forefoot region where the storage and release mechanism is located.
2Loss of energy
If an over-center linkage mechanism is used to lock the leaf spring assembly, then energy storage efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center linkage mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked positions based on the operational cycle. The linkage moves to a locked position where linkage arms are positioned over-center to securely hold the leaf spring assembly in the compressed energy-storing position, then releases to allow energy return.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism changes the positional parameters of the leaf spring assembly by moving it between a first expanded position and a second compressed position. The over-center configuration creates distinct stable states that maintain the spring in the desired position during energy storage and release.
3Loss of energy
If energy is captured in the heel region and transferred to the forefoot region, then energy return to the wearer is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector translates energy capture from the heel region to the forefoot region, effectively moving the energy transfer across a spatial dimension within the sole structure. This allows energy captured at one location to be utilized at another location, optimizing energy return to the wearer.
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 energy return to the wearer, potentially exceeding 100% of the energy captured, reducing the energetic cost of running and minimizing impact-related injuries.
Implementation Method 1
An energy capture mechanism positioned in a heel region and elastically deformable under pressure of a heel-strike by the wearer
Implementation Method 2
The energy storage and release device has a leaf spring assembly movable between a first expanded position and a second compressed position
Implementation Method 3
An over-center linkage is connected to the leaf spring assembly and the linkage movable between an unlocked position and a locked position in which linkage arms are positioned over-center
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for a shoe is provided with a regenerative midsole having an energy storage and release device is provided with a leaf spring assembly movable between a first unloaded position and a second loaded position. A locking linkage cooperates with the leaf spring assembly to lock the leaf spring assembly in the second loaded position. The locking linkage cooperates with the leaf spring assembly so that as the locking linkage is moved to a locked position, the leaf spring assembly is moved to the second loaded position. A trigger is connected to the locking linkage. Actuation of the locking linkage based on a wearer input releases the locking linkage to an unlocked position and allows the leaf spring assembly to move to the first unloaded position and thereby return stored energy to the wearer.