Sole Cushioning Module With Curved Spring Leaf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Degenerative arthritis, characterized by joint cartilage damage leading to increased strain and pain in the lower limbs, necessitates a solution to reduce the impact of walking and enhance energy storage to alleviate joint burden and facilitate movement without causing injury.
Innovation Solution
A sole cushioning module comprising a contacting plate, a base plate, and a first spring leaf with a curved shape that deforms and bends to absorb force, providing cushioning and elastic support, allowing for reduced effort in movement and jumping through stored elastic potential energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cushioning structure is provided to reduce impact on joints, then the burden on lower limb joints is alleviated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning structure is divided into multiple spring leaves (first spring leaf, second spring leaf) arranged in sequence, where each spring leaf independently absorbs impact energy. This segmentation allows the complex cushioning function to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring leaves are designed with non-linear stiffness characteristics where the stiffness changes as the compression depth increases. This parameter change allows the structure to provide soft cushioning at initial contact and progressively increase support firmness, achieving effective impact reduction through material/structural property variation rather than complex mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the spring leaf deforms and bends to absorb force, then cushioning effect is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring leaves are arranged in parallel sequence, where each spring leaf can deform and bend to absorb force independently. This segmentation distributes the force absorption function across multiple elements, preventing over-reliance on a single structural component and maintaining overall stability even when individual leaves deform.
Solution Approach 2:
The first spring leaf and second spring leaf are combined in a sequential arrangement within the same space, working together to provide both cushioning and support functions. The merging of multiple spring elements creates a composite structure that achieves force absorption while maintaining structural integrity through the cooperative behavior of integrated components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first spring leaf has non-linear stiffness increase with compression, then cushioning effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring leaves are designed with non-linear stiffness characteristics where the stiffness parameter changes as compression depth increases. This parameter change is achieved through the geometric shape and material properties of the spring leaves themselves, allowing the cushioning structure to automatically adjust its firmness based on compression depth without requiring complex control systems or high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring leaves are designed with curved geometries that inherently provide non-linear mechanical properties. The curvature of the spring leaves creates a progressive resistance to compression, where the stiffness increases naturally with deformation due to the geometric configuration rather than requiring precise control of material properties or manufacturing tolerances.
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 module effectively absorbs ground force, reduces the risk of injury by changing stiffness non-linearly with compression, supports the user's weight, and enhances stability by pre-compression, allowing for smoother transitions from cushioning to supporting and facilitating easier movement.
Implementation Method 1
the first spring leaf deforms and bends... the first spring leaf forms a first outer curved surface... the first spring leaf is in a curved shape
Implementation Method 2
storing the energy when walking such that more effort can be saved
Implementation Method 3
the first outer curved surface at least partially slides relative to the contacting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A sole cushioning module includes a contacting plate, a base plate, a connecting portion and a first spring leaf. The contacting plate abuts against a sole. The base plate and the contacting plate form a space. The connecting portion connects with the contacting plate and the base plate. The first spring leaf is located within the space. The first spring leaf connects with the base plate. The first spring leaf is curved and forms a first outer curved surface. A first region of the first outer curved surface abuts against the contacting plate. When the contacting plate moves towards the base plate, the contacting plate presses on the first outer curved surface. The first spring leaf deforms, and the first outer curved surface slides relative to the contacting plate. The first region shifts towards an end of the first spring leaf connecting with the base plate.