Layered Stabilizing Element for Mountaineering Shoe Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mountaineering shoes face challenges with rigid soles that become brittle at low temperatures, increasing weight when reinforced, and reducing traction due to a rigid plate above the rubber outsole.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing element with a layered structure comprising a first plate with openings, a second plate partially inserted, and a third plate with higher stiffness positioned above the second plate, providing insulation and flexibility while maintaining stiffness and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plate is used to increase sole stiffness, then the stiffness of the shoe is improved, but the plate becomes brittle at low temperatures and requires reinforcement that increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element is divided into three separate plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) with different stiffness properties rather than using a single rigid plate. This segmentation allows each plate to perform its specific function: the first plate provides structural support, the second plate maintains flexibility and ground contact, and the third plate provides high stiffness near the foot without becoming brittle
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shoe sole are assigned different stiffness properties through the three-plate structure. The third plate has substantially higher stiffness than the second plate, creating a gradient of stiffness from the outsole upward. This local differentiation allows the shoe to have high stiffness where needed (near the foot) while maintaining flexibility and durability at the ground contact level
2Strength
If a rigid plate is placed above the rubber outsole, then stiffness is improved, but adaptability to ground and traction are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the rigid third plate from the rubber outsole through the intermediate second plate allows the outsole to maintain direct contact with the ground for adaptability and traction, while the third plate provides stiffness independently near the foot structure
Solution Approach 2:
The second plate acts as an intermediary element between the rubber outsole and the stiff third plate. This intermediate layer allows the outsole to adapt to ground irregularities and maintain traction while transmitting necessary forces to the stiff third plate for overall shoe stability
3Reliability
If reinforcement is added to prevent brittleness at low temperatures, then durability is improved, but weight of the sole increases
Solution Approach 1:
High stiffness material is used only in the third plate where it is needed for structural support near the foot, while the first and second plates use materials with appropriate flexibility. This localized application of stiff material avoids the need for throughout reinforcement that would increase weight
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire sole rigid and then adding insulation or reinforcement to prevent brittleness, the invention inverts the approach by using a flexible base structure and adding a localized stiffening element that does not require additional reinforcement against brittleness
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 achieves high stiffness and durability at low temperatures without adding weight, maintains traction by spacing the stiff plate from the outsole, and balances stiffness and flexibility for walking.
Implementation Method 1
the third plate comprises a substantially higher stiffness than the second plate... provides insulation and flexibility while maintaining stiffness and traction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stabilizing element (10) for a shoe sole, in particular for a mountaineering shoe, comprising: (a.) a first plate (11), comprising at least one opening (12); (b.) a second plate (13) arranged at least partially in the opening (12); and (c.) a third plate (14) arranged at least partially in the opening (12) and arranged at least partially above the second plate (13), wherein the third plate (14) comprises a substantially higher stiffness than the second plate (13).