Sockliner Assemblies With Adjustable Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sockliners often fail to provide adequate support and comfort, especially for the arch area of the foot, leading to skin irritation and heat generation due to varying contact between the foot and the sockliner during movement.

Innovation Solution

A sockliner assembly comprising a sockliner with adjustable cables or straps that form a hammock-like structure, ensuring consistent contact with the foot by tension adjustment, reducing friction and irritation through customizable fit and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional sockliners are used, then the structure is simple, but the contact consistency with the foot deteriorates during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sockliner is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one by incorporating adjustable cables and straps that can be tensioned to adapt to foot movement. The cables connect the sockliner to the footwear upper, allowing the sockliner to maintain contact with the foot throughout the gait cycle while moving with the foot's natural motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sockliner system is divided into multiple functional components: the sockliner itself, adjustable cables, straps, and tensioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the sockliner provides comfort, the cables provide structural support, and the tensioning mechanisms allow for customization - while working together to maintain consistent contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable cables and straps are added to form a hammock-like structure, then the support and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable fitVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable and strap system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to maintain sockliner position, enables customization of fit through adjustment mechanisms, and creates the hammock-like structure for enhanced comfort. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in tension and positioning through adjustable cables and straps. Users can modify the tension levels to achieve the desired fit and support, transforming the sockliner from a fixed component to an adaptable system that can be customized to individual foot shapes and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sockliner is tensioned to maintain contact with the foot, then skin irritation and heat generation are reduced, but the ease of adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin irritationVSAvoidadjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning system is designed to be self-adjusting through the interaction of cables, straps, and the natural movement of the foot. As the foot moves during gait, the cables automatically tension and release, maintaining consistent contact without requiring active user intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces skin irritation while minimizing the adjustment burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3886637B1Sockliner assemblies for articles of footwear
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3886637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3886637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3886637B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

A sockliner assembly can comprise a sockliner and one or more cables. The sockliner can have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a peripheral edge of the sockliner. The first cable can have a first attached cable segment and a first free cable segment. The first attached cable segment can be coupled to the sockliner. The first free cable segment can extend from the first attached cable segment and can extend beyond the peripheral edge of the sockliner.