Split-Grip Sock Structure for Lateral-Movement Slip Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socks cause discomfort and slippage during sports that require significant lateral movement, leading to blisters, decreased blood circulation, and reliance on shoes for balance support.
Innovation Solution
A split grip sock device with separate compartments for the big toe and other toes, featuring hexagonal rubber pieces for traction and cushioning on the sole, and thicker weave on the foot and heel to reduce friction and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If standard socks are used during sports, then the footwear remains lightweight, but slippage occurs during lateral movement especially when sweat is present
Solution Approach 1:
The sock combines multiple materials with different properties: moisture-wicking fabric for comfort, rubber grip elements for traction, and cushioning materials for protection. This composite approach allows the sock to provide slip resistance and comfort without significantly increasing weight, as only specific zones are reinforced rather than the entire sock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Grip elements and cushioning are applied locally to specific high-friction areas such as the heel, toe, and lateral edges where slippage occurs during lateral movement. This targeted approach provides slip resistance where needed while keeping the overall sock lightweight and avoiding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure.
2Device complexity
If conventional socks are used, then the structure is simple, but foot irritation and discomfort occur during strenuous activity
Solution Approach 1:
Cushioning elements are strategically placed in high-pressure zones such as the heel, toe, and metatarsal areas where friction and pressure cause irritation during sports. This localized cushioning protects vulnerable areas without requiring the entire sock to be complex or overly padded, maintaining simplicity while reducing irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock is divided into functional zones with different properties: moisture-wicking areas, grip zones, and cushioned regions. This segmentation allows each area to address specific irritation sources independently, providing comprehensive protection without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard socks are used, then manufacturing is simple, but blisters form on the heel area due to thin materials
Solution Approach 1:
The sock incorporates cushioning materials and reinforced heel construction in specific zones to prevent blisters. These protective elements are integrated into the manufacturing process through techniques such as inserting pre-formed cushioning inserts or using multi-layer knitting in high-wear areas, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing blister protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Cushioning elements are built into the sock structure in advance during manufacturing, particularly in the heel area where blisters commonly form. This pre-cushioning approach protects against friction and pressure before they cause irritation, without requiring complex post-manufacturing assembly steps.
4Device complexity
If conventional socks are used, then the design is simple, but decreased blood circulation occurs due to shoelace pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sock features a thicker weave specifically in the forefoot and instep areas where shoelaces apply pressure. This localized reinforcement distributes lace pressure more evenly across a larger surface area, preventing constriction of blood vessels and maintaining circulation without requiring a complete redesign of the entire sock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sock design segments the foot into zones with different weave densities: thicker weave in high-pressure areas from shoelaces, and standard weave in other regions. This segmentation allows the sock to address circulation issues where they occur without adding unnecessary complexity or material throughout the entire design.
5Ease of operation
If standard socks are used, then comfort is basic, but slippage and friction increase during lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sock uses composite construction combining smooth interior surfaces to reduce friction with the foot, while exterior grip elements provide traction against the shoe. This material combination minimizes harmful friction that causes slippage and discomfort during lateral movement while maintaining comfort against the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
Grip elements are positioned at strategic locations such as the heel, toe, and lateral edges where slippage occurs during lateral movement. This localized grip provision reduces friction and slippage in critical areas without requiring the entire sock surface to have high-friction material, maintaining comfort while preventing harmful slippage.
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 device enhances comfort and performance by reducing slippage, allowing improved pivoting and direction change, while preventing blisters and friction, even in sweaty conditions.
Implementation Method 1
glued and heat-pressed rubber pieces on the bottom of the sole... The full red hexagon rubber pieces are placed underneath the big toe and the part of the ball of the foot directly below the big toe, specifically to provide traction when pivoting and pushing off
Implementation Method 2
providing cushioning over the metatarsals to alleviate shoelace pressure and over the heel area to prevent blisters... features a thicker weave over the top of the foot and heel
Data Source
AI summary
A split grip sock device is disclosed that reduces slippage during lateral movements commonly performed during sports like basketball, tennis, soccer, and football. The device solves these problems by adding grip to the bottom of the sock and having a separate compartment for the big toe which allows for improved pivoting and change of direction. Further, the device also provides cushioning over the metatarsals to alleviate shoelace pressure and over the heel area to prevent blisters. Specifically, the split grip sock device comprises a thicker weave over the top of the foot and heel, with heat-pressed rubber pieces on the bottom of the sole.