Spike Structure Interface Member Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spike structures made of different materials, such as polypropylene and thermoplastic polyurethane, face difficulties in bonding due to the crystalline nature of polypropylene, leading to cleat deformation and detachment during external flexing forces, resulting in damage to the shoe.
Innovation Solution
A spike structure comprising a sole protruding portion, an interface member, and a cleat member, where the interface member is made of a hard material with similar hardness to the sole protruding portion, allowing for stable bonding between the sole and cleat members without direct contact, using materials like polycarbonate, ABS resin, or thermoplastic polyurethane, and ensuring the cleat member is softer than the interface and sole portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sole protruding portion is made of polypropylene (PP) and the cleat is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), then the hardness requirement is met, but the bonding between the two materials is difficult due to the crystalline nature of polypropylene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface member as an intermediary component between the sole protruding portion and the cleat member. This interface member has an first section that bonds to the sole protruding portion and a second section that bonds to the cleat member, effectively mediating the bonding between two difficult-to-bond materials (PP and TPU) by providing compatible bonding surfaces for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by using different materials for different components: the sole protruding portion uses polypropylene, the interface member uses a material compatible with both PP and TPU, and the cleat member uses thermoplastic polyurethane. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while achieving overall system compatibility through proper material selection and interfacing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cleat is made of softer material than the sole protruding portion, then the cleat can be bonded to the sole, but the cleat easily deforms under external flexing force causing detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spike structure into three separate components: the sole protruding portion, the interface member, and the cleat member. This segmentation allows the softer cleat member to be bonded to the interface member while the harder interface member provides structural support and resistance to deformation, distributing the mechanical stresses away from the vulnerable cleat-sole interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface member serves as a mediator that protects the softer cleat member from direct exposure to external flexing forces. The harder interface member absorbs and distributes these forces, preventing the cleat member from deforming and detaching, while still maintaining the bonding ease provided by the softer cleat material.
3Area of stationary object
If the cleat is filled completely into the space of the sole protruding portion, then the bonding area is increased, but the cleat is more susceptible to breaking at the exposed joint under external force
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into three components, the patent creates a stepped configuration where the cleat member is positioned at a lower level than the sole protruding portion. This segmentation allows for a large bonding area between the cleat and interface member while the interface member's harder material and structural position protect the joint from breaking under external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The harder interface member acts as a protective cushion positioned before the vulnerable cleat-sole joint. It absorbs and distributes external forces before they can concentrate at the exposed joint, preventing breakage while maintaining adequate bonding area for strong attachment.
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 solution provides a stable and durable spike structure that prevents cleat detachment and damage by facilitating strong bonding between the interface and cleat members, enhancing the shoe's durability and performance during use.
Implementation Method 1
the interface member being easily bonded to the cleat member, the interface member and the cleat member can be fixedly combined by bonding
Implementation Method 2
the interface member and the sole protruding portion are made of hard materials with similar hardness and are not easily deformed when they are in contact with each other. Therefore, the interface member and the sole protruding portion are not easily slipped off
Data Source
AI summary
A spike structure made of different materials includes: a sole protruding portion, an interface member and a cleat member. The interface member is disposed between the sole protruding portion and the cleat member, so that the sole protruding portion does not directly contact the cleat member, but the sole protruding portion and the cleat member are in contact with the interface member, and because the interface member is easily bonded to the cleat member, the interface member and the cleat member can be fixedly combined by bonding. Besides, the interface member and the sole protruding portion are made of hard materials with similar hardness and are not easily deformed when they are in contact with each other. Therefore, the interface member and the sole protruding portion are not easily slipped off.