Stabilizing Sole Structure for Foot Alignment and Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear fails to uniformly support and align a person's feet during walking, jogging, and running, leading to excessive stress and shock transfer to the body, causing injuries and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A sole structure comprising a midsole and outsole that form a shell with a sidewall extending above the footbed, providing medial and lateral stability and alignment, with the outsole being harder than the midsole to enhance cushioning and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the combined thickness of midsole and outsole is increased at certain portions to provide more cushioning and support, then cushioning and support are improved, but the uniformity of foot support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning and supportVSAvoiduniformity of foot support
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the midsole and outsole at different portions of the foot. Specifically, the combined thickness is greater at the heel portion to provide enhanced cushioning and support where needed, while maintaining appropriate thickness at other areas. This localized thickness variation resolves the contradiction by providing targeted support without compromising overall uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If different materials with different hardness levels are used for midsole and outsole, then impact absorption and support are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorption and supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the midsole and outsole made of different materials with different hardness levels. The outsole is made of a harder material to provide structural support and durability, while the midsole uses a softer material to absorb impact forces. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both impact absorption and support functions through material selection rather than complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the sidewall extends above the footbed to cradle and align the foot, then foot alignment and stability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot alignment and stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the sidewall of the outsole above the footbed in the vertical dimension. This elevated sidewall creates a cradling effect that naturally aligns and stabilizes the foot within the footwear. By utilizing the vertical space above the footbed, the design achieves foot alignment and stability without adding complex internal support structures, thus resolving the contradiction between stability improvement and structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12383024B2Footwear including a stabilizing sole
Publication Date: 2025.08.12 DECKERS OUTDOOR CORP
  • US12383024B2 patent drawing
  • US12383024B2 patent drawing
  • US12383024B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sole for an article of footwear is provided and includes a midsole attached to the upper and including a lateral side and a medial side, the midsole including a first member and a second member attached to the first member, the first member being separate from the second member, the first member having a sidewall and a recessed area and the second member having a sidewall that extends along the medial side around the heel portion and along the lateral side of the first member, the second member being positioned in the recessed area of the first member.