Footwear Sole Plates Dispersion Fluid-Bladder Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sole structures for footwear lack an efficient mechanism to disperse forces effectively, leading to inadequate cushioning, motion control, and resiliency.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure featuring uniquely shaped first and second plates that disperse forces exerted on and received from a fluid-filled bladder, with the plates configured to ascend and descend rearward of the bladder, providing medial-lateral support and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sole structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but force dispersion and cushioning performance are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple functional components: first and second plates providing structural framework, fluid-filled bladders for cushioning, and resilient material for motion control. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific force management functions, improving overall force dispersion capability while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure combines dissimilar materials with complementary properties: rigid plates (fiberglass-reinforced nylon or carbon fiber) for structural integrity, fluid-filled bladders (air or liquid) for compressible cushioning, and resilient foam material for motion control. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of force dispersion, cushioning, and motion control functions
2Reliability
If cushioning and motion control are enhanced, then footwear performance improves, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sole structure have locally optimized properties: the plates provide rigid structural framework in areas requiring strength and stability, while fluid-filled bladders are positioned in high-impact zones for maximum cushioning effect, and resilient material is placed in regions requiring motion control. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of structural integrity and cushioning performance without compromise
3Reliability
If force dispersion is improved through plate configuration, then cushioning enhances, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plates are pre-formed with uniquely shaped configurations designed to optimize force dispersion pathways before assembly. The first plate features a curved inferior surface and the second plate has a curved superior surface, both pre-engineered to direct forces evenly across the fluid-filled bladders. This preliminary shaping reduces the precision requirements during final assembly, as the force dispersion geometry is already established in the individual components
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 achieves enhanced force dispersion, leading to improved cushioning, motion control, and resiliency, while maintaining the structural integrity and support needed for various footwear applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-filled bladder disposed between the plates. The plates are configured so that they are in opposite relative positions rearward of the fluid-filled bladder as they are at the fluid bladder
Implementation Method 2
Document US 2005/102857 A1 discloses a sole structure with two plates and resilient material in between
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole structure (12) for an article of footwear (10) includes a first plate (40), a resilient material (44) supported on the first plate, and a second plate (42) supported on the resilient material with the resilient material disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate ascends rearward of the resilient material and the second plate descends rearward of the resilient material with a posterior portion (54) of the first plate above a posterior portion of the second plate rearward of the resilient material. The posterior portion of the second plate includes one or both of a medial-side trailing arm (88A) with a terminal end and a lateral-side trailing arm (88B) with a terminal end. The posterior portion of the first plate is disposed adjacent to and inward of the one or both of the medial-side trailing arm and the lateral-side trailing arm in a transverse direction of the sole structure.