Shoe Stability Layer with Curved Heel Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shoes with flat insole boards fail to conform to the shape of the human foot, leading to reduced effectiveness over time and the need for frequent replacements, while high-quality footbeds are often too costly for OEM applications and aftermarket insoles lack proper support and fit.
Innovation Solution
A stability layer with a stability wall extending from the heel portion, featuring lateral and medial side sections, is integrated into the shoe, providing support and load transfer, and can be manufactured using ethyl-vinyl-acetate compression processes, enhancing the shoe's fit and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a flat insole board is used in traditional shoes, then the shoe structure is simple and cost-effective, but the insole does not conform to the shape of the human foot, reducing effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is designed with a curved stability wall extending downward from the heel portion, featuring lateral and medial side sections that conform to the natural curvature of the human foot. This curved structure provides anatomical support while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molding processes.
2Reliability
If foam material is used in an insole for cushioning, then comfort is improved, but the material compresses over time and loses its support capability
Solution Approach 1:
The insole combines a stability layer with a stability wall structure that integrates both cushioning foam material and supportive structural elements. This composite design allows the foam to provide comfort while the stability wall maintains structural integrity and support capability over time.
3Reliability
If a high-quality foot bed is used to provide proper support, then foot support is improved, but the cost increases significantly for OEM applications
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into a stability layer and a stability wall extending from the heel portion with lateral and medial side sections. This segmentation allows the support function to be concentrated in the stability wall structure rather than requiring expensive materials throughout the entire insole, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining support quality.
4Reliability
If aftermarket insoles are purchased to obtain high-quality foot bed support, then foot support may be improved, but the insoles are expensive, flexible, and may not fit properly
Solution Approach 1:
The stability layer and stability wall are merged into an integrated insole structure that is designed to fit within the specific shoe model. This integration ensures proper fit and support while eliminating the need for separate aftermarket insoles, as the support structure is built-in and optimized for the specific shoe-insole system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a stability layer dimensioned to be positioned within a shoe. The apparatus may comprise a stability wall extending downward from a heel portion of the stability layer. The stability wall may comprise a back section dimensioned to curve around a back side of the heel portion. The stability wall may also comprise at least one of a lateral side section and/or a medial side section. The lateral side section may extend along a lateral side of the heel portion and the medial side section may extend along a medial side of the heel portion. A method may comprise providing a stability layer and a midsole layer. The method may also comprise positioning the stability layer on the midsole layer.