Shoe Sole Elastic Modulus Layout for Cushioning Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe soles with convex elements for cushioning create a significant difference in elastic modulus between the convex elements and the surrounding material, leading to discomfort for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A sole design featuring a shock-absorbing part with a recessed surface and columnar bodies extending to a support surface, accompanied by a high-elastic and low-elastic region to minimize the modulus difference and enhance comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic modulus of each convex element is lowered to improve shock-absorbing property, then the cushioning performance is improved, but the difference in elastic modulus between the convex element and the boundary increases, which increases the sense of discomfort felt by the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the shock-absorbing part: a high-elastic region adjacent to the support surface and a low-elastic region adjacent to the high-elastic region. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows the boundary area to have higher elastic modulus (reducing discomfort) while the central area maintains lower elastic modulus (improving cushioning).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the elastic modulus parameter spatially within the shock-absorbing part. By varying the elastic modulus from high near the boundary to low in the center, the invention simultaneously achieves comfort (through high modulus at boundaries) and shock absorption (through low modulus in cushioning zones).
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 provides effective cushioning while reducing the sense of discomfort by smoothing the transition in elastic modulus, ensuring both impact absorption and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a high-elastic region that is located adjacent to the support surface; and a low-elastic region that is located adjacent to the high-elastic region and lower in elastic modulus than the high-elastic region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sole constituting a part of a shoe, the sole including: a shock-absorbing part that cushions an impact applied to a foot upon landing; and a support part that is higher in elastic modulus than the shock-absorbing part and supports the foot. The support part includes a support surface provided around the shock-absorbing part. The shock-absorbing part includes a recessed surface and a plurality of columnar bodies. The shock-absorbing part includes a high-elastic region located adjacent to the support surface and a low-elastic region that is located adjacent to the high-elastic region and lower in elastic modulus than the high-elastic region.