Footwear Sole Structure With Plate Cavity for Cushioning and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack a comprehensive design that balances durability, cushioning, and traction while providing customizable support for various foot types and activities.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a chassis plate made of high-strength, stiff materials, combined with a midsole featuring fluid-filled bladders and foam pads, and an outsole with integrated traction elements, allowing for customizable stiffness and cushioning based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate smaller pads or cushion elements are arranged in the midsole, then cushioning is provided, but the structure lacks comprehensive durability and customizable support
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a chassis plate for structural integrity, a midsole with cushioning elements for comfort, and an outsole for traction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to overall durability and customizable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material construction across multiple layers - the chassis plate uses stiff materials for durability, the midsole incorporates foam or gel cushioning elements, and the outsole features traction-enhancing materials. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of durability, comfort, and adaptability.
2Strength
If a chassis plate made of high-strength materials is used, then durability is enhanced, but the weight of the sole structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis plate is designed with varying thickness and material density in different regions - thicker and stronger where structural support is needed, and thinner where flexibility is prioritized. This local quality optimization maintains durability while minimizing unnecessary weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis plate incorporates flexible connection points and articulated joints that allow the rigid structure to adapt dynamically to movement forces, reducing the overall material needed while maintaining strength where required.
3Reliability
If an outsole with integrated traction elements is used, then traction is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traction elements are integrated directly into the outsole manufacturing process rather than being added as separate components. This merging of functions into a single manufacturing step improves traction while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole uses variations in material properties and surface geometry parameters - such as rubber compound hardness and tread pattern depth - to achieve enhanced traction through standard manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex assembly operations.
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 sole structure provides enhanced durability, customizable support, and improved traction, catering to diverse foot types and activities, while maintaining comfort and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is, generally, at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is, generally, at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 3
One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure (200) for an article of footwear (10) includes a first plate extending from a forefoot region (12) of the sole structure to a heel region (16) of the sole structure. The first plate has a first surface and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the first plate than the first surface. The sole structure further includes a second plate extending from the forefoot region to the heel region. The second plate has a third surface opposing the second surface of the first plate and a fourth surface disposed on an opposite side of the second plate than the third surface. The third surface is spaced apart from the second surface to define a cavity (274) between the first plate and the second plate that extends from a medial side (22) of the sole structure to a lateral side (24) of the sole structure between the forefoot region and the heel region.