Athletic Shoe Sole with Trampoline Recess Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic shoes fail to adequately address the physical demands of cheerleading, including supportive movement, comfort during long hours, and effective cushioning for severe impacts, which are not adequately met by existing footwear designs.
Innovation Solution
A shoe sole assembly with a trampoline-effect energy return system, comprising a midsole, stabilizer plugs, and an outsole member, where the stabilizer plugs have trampoline recesses and projections that deform elastically upon foot strike to enhance energy return and cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional athletic shoe designs are used, then the shoe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cushioning effect and energy return are insufficient for severe impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer plug is segmented into multiple functional zones: a compressible upper portion with voids for energy absorption, a trampoline recess for elastic energy return, and a lower portion with projections for stability. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, achieving superior cushioning while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe sole assembly uses composite material construction with the stabilizer plug made from materials having specific durometer ranges (e.g., 40-60 Shore A for the upper portion, 60-80 Shore A for the lower portion). This composite approach allows optimization of each material's properties for its specific function, achieving both cushioning and structural support.
2Strength
If the shoe provides effective cushioning for severe impacts, then the cushioning performance is improved, but the weight of the shoe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion of the stabilizer plug incorporates voids and a porous structure that allows the material to compress and expand during impact. This porous construction provides effective cushioning by trapping and dissipating impact energy while using less material, thereby reducing weight compared to solid cushioning structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The trampoline recess is pre-formed in the stabilizer plug to create an elastic energy storage mechanism before impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning structure automatically engages during foot strike, providing impact protection without requiring additional active components or increasing overall shoe weight.
3Loss of energy
If the stabilizer plug has complex geometry with trampoline recesses and projections, then the energy return efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies parameter ranges rather than fixed values for the stabilizer plug geometry, such as trampoline recess depth (1-5 mm), projection height (2-10 mm), and void volume (10-50% of upper portion). These parameter ranges provide manufacturing flexibility while maintaining functional performance, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer plug integrates multiple functions into a single component: impact absorption, energy storage, elastic energy return, and stability provision. By merging these functions into one part rather than using separate components, the patent reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing precision requirements while achieving high energy return efficiency.
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 trampoline-effect energy return system provides improved cushioning and support, enhancing athletic performance by accommodating the rigorous demands of cheerleading through efficient energy displacement and force distribution during foot strikes.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one trampoline recess can receive underlying portions of the stabilizer plug to accommodate elastic deformation of the underlying portions of the stabilizer plug and the outsole relative to the vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An athletic shoe with an energy return system is provided. The shoe includes a shoe sole assembly having a midsole, at least one stabilizer plug in a recess in the midsole, and at least one outsole member. In an aspect, the stabilizer plug has at least one trampoline recess disposed in an upper surface thereof, and at least one projection extending from a lower surface thereof that substantially underlies at least a portion of the at least one trampoline recess. An upper surface of the outsole is adapted to complimentarily receive the at least one projection extending from the lower stabilizer plug surface such that when a force is applied to the lower outsole surface during a foot strike, the at least one trampoline recess receives underlying portions of the stabilizer plug to accommodate elastic deflection of the underlying portions of the stabilizer plug and the outsole.