Shoe Sole Rigid Blade and Support for Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoe soles fail to optimize deformation upon heel impact, leading to reduced resilience and energy loss, which affects running economy and propulsion efficiency, while also lacking adequate lateral stability during impact.
Innovation Solution
The sports shoe sole features a rigid blade with a modulus of elasticity greater than 750 MPa, positioned in the front half, combined with a rigid support having a modulus of elasticity greater than 100 MPa, including a lateral wing to contain the upper cushioning layer's expansion at the heel, enhancing resilience and propulsion by limiting sole flexion and lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a rigid plate extends over the entire length of the sole, then running economy is improved by stiffening the sole at the metatarsals, but cushioning on impact is reduced at the heel
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure is divided into distinct segments: a rigid blade positioned in the front half under the metatarsals, and a rigid support with lateral wings positioned in the rear half under the heel. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specialized function - the blade provides forefoot stiffness for running economy while the support provides heel cushioning containment
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sole are given different mechanical properties. The front half contains a rigid blade with high modulus of elasticity (>750 MPa) for stiffness, while the rear half contains a rigid support with moderate modulus (>100 MPa) for controlled cushioning. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between needing stiffness in one area and cushioning in another
2Ease of operation
If the upper cushioning layer is allowed to expand freely at the heel, then comfort is improved, but resilience is reduced due to energy loss during deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cushioning layer is designed as a flexible layer that can deform comfortably, while the rigid support with lateral wings acts as a constraining structure. The lateral wings specifically contain the lateral expansion of the cushioning layer at the heel, transforming uncontrolled deformation into controlled elastic deformation that restores energy
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support with lateral wings is positioned in advance to prevent excessive lateral expansion of the cushioning layer during impact. By anticipating and preventing energy-wasting deformation modes, the structure maintains resilience while still allowing comfortable vertical compression
3Loss of energy
If the sole is made more resilient to improve propulsion, then energy restoration is enhanced, but lateral stability during impact may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support with lateral wings provides localized lateral constraint at the heel region where impact forces occur. This local stabilization prevents excessive lateral deformation that would waste energy, thereby maintaining both lateral stability and energy restoration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sole assembly combines materials with different mechanical properties: the rigid blade and rigid support provide structural stability, while the upper and lower cushioning layers provide resilient energy storage and restoration. This composite structure achieves both lateral stability and high energy restoration
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
This configuration improves running economy by reducing energy loss during heel strike, enhances propulsion through increased resilience, and provides better lateral stability during impact, facilitating faster foot movement and reduced energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid blade, having a modulus of elasticity greater than 750 MPa, interposed between the upper damping layer and a lower damping layer... a rigid support, having a modulus of elasticity greater than 100 MPa
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The external sole of a shoe comprises a rigid blade, having a modulus of elasticity greater than 750 MPa, sandwiched between an upper cushioning layer and a lower cushioning layer. The external sole comprises a rigid support, having a modulus of elasticity greater than 100 MPa, having: • a lower bridge extending substantially over the entire width of this upper cushioning layer at the level of at least one transverse segment of a central area; • a lateral wing covering a portion of the lateral surface of the upper cushioning layer, the overlapping portion covering at least a band at least ten millimeters wide, this band extending lengthwise, towards the rear, from the lower bridge.