Shoe Support Element Wave Structure Foot Shank Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear implementations of the banking effect for improved foot shank alignment during cutting movements persist even during linear movements, leading to discomfort and potential harm to joints, and fail to provide a dynamic alignment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A support element with a wave structure on the lateral side and a uniform structure on the medial side of the shoe sole, creating a compression gradient that activates the banking effect only during lateral movements, enhancing foot shank alignment and stability during dynamic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent banking structure is implemented in the sole, then foot shank alignment is improved during cutting movements, but comfort and joint safety deteriorate during linear movements
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transitions from a static permanent banking structure to a dynamic structure that adapts its shape based on movement type. During cutting movements, the wave structure compresses asymmetrically to create banking effect, while during linear movements, it maintains a neutral profile, thus providing alignment only when needed and comfort otherwise
Solution Approach 2:
The support element changes its geometric parameters (compression depth, banking angle) based on the applied load and movement direction. The wave structure allows greater compression on the lateral side during cutting movements, creating the necessary banking effect, while distributing compression evenly during linear movements to maintain comfort
2Reliability
If a permanent banking structure is implemented in the sole, then foot shank alignment is improved during cutting movements, but joint safety deteriorates due to defective positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support element dynamically adjusts its banking effect based on movement type, providing alignment support during cutting movements when it is needed, while returning to a neutral position during linear movements, thus preventing harmful joint positions and reducing cumulative joint stress
Solution Approach 2:
The support element prevents harmful joint positions by creating banking effect in advance during cutting movements, aligning the foot and shank before dangerous positions are reached, thereby proactively protecting against joint stress and potential injuries
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric wave structure is implemented on lateral side, then banking effect is activated during lateral movements, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element applies the complex wave structure only locally on the lateral side where banking effect is needed, while keeping the medial side with a simpler uniform structure, thus achieving movement-specific alignment functionality with minimal additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support element uses asymmetric wave structure on the lateral side compared to the uniform medial side, allowing differential compression that activates banking effect during lateral movements while maintaining structural efficiency and avoiding unnecessary complexity
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 support element improves athletic performance by maintaining optimal foot shank alignment during cutting movements, increasing precision and confidence, and reducing joint stress, while maintaining comfort during linear movements.
Implementation Method 1
The first segment exhibits a wave structure that compresses more than the second segment exhibiting a uniform structure, creating a compression gradient
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a support element which is configured to be arranged in a sole structure of a shoe. The support element may include a first portion associated with a lateral side of the sole structure and a second portion associated with a medial side of the sole structure. The first portion may include a first segment exhibiting a wave structure. The second portion may include a second segment exhibiting a uniform structure.