Shoe Sole Structure with 3D Elastic Fiber for Cushioning and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe sole structures are complex and costly to manufacture, with limited control over cushioning properties and stability due to the need for additional components like wavy plates, which also restrict the positioning of cushioning holes and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure featuring an upper and lower wall portion with a sidewall portion that is elastically deformable, incorporating a three-dimensional elastic fiber structure and a hollow portion with a partition wall, allowing for controlled cushioning and stability through elastic deformation and resistance to excessive compression, while simplifying the manufacturing process using 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a wavy plate is added to the midsole structure to improve stability, then stability on landing is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wavy plate and cushioning hole functions into a single integrated midsole structure. The midsole includes both cushioning portions (for cushioning) and wavy portions (for stability) as unified components, eliminating the need for separate wavy plate and cushioning hole elements while achieving both cushioning and stability functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole structure is designed to perform multiple functions through its different regions: the cushioning portions provide shock absorption while the wavy portions provide stability during landing. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a wavy plate is added to improve stability, then stability on landing is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional molding and bonding processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wavy plate and cushioning hole functions into a single molded midsole structure. This consolidation allows the entire midsole to be manufactured in one molding process, eliminating the need for separate molding and bonding operations for the wavy plate, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Strength
If cushioning holes are formed at the boundary surface between upper and lower midsoles, then cushioning property is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional midsole layers
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is segmented into cushioning portions and wavy portions within a single continuous structure. The cushioning portions are strategically positioned to provide cushioning without requiring separate upper and lower midsole layers, as the segmentation occurs within the functional zones of a unified midsole.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the position of cushioning holes is restricted by the wavy plate, then structural integrity is maintained, but cushioning property control becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole is divided into cushioning portions and wavy portions that can be independently designed and positioned. This segmentation allows the cushioning portions to be placed at optimal locations for cushioning performance without being constrained by wavy plate positioning, while the wavy portions maintain structural integrity through their own geometric design.
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 solution provides improved cushioning and stability with reduced manufacturing costs, weight savings, and enhanced control over deformation, preventing excessive compression and allowing for various hollow portion shapes to optimize cushioning and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a sidewall portion that is disposed between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and that is elastically deformable in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure elastically deforms in the interior region between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure for a shoe includes an upper wall portion disposed on the upper side, a lower wall portion disposed below and away from the upper wall portion, and a sidewall portion that is disposed between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion and that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. The upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portion are formed of resin-made wall-shaped members. A three-dimensional elastic fiber structure formed of resin fibers is provided in the interior region between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion. The interior region includes a hollow portion that is in contact with the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure via a partition wall formed of a resin-made wall-shaped member.