Elastic Pad Support Plate with Rigid Frame for Creep Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate soles for outdoor equipment, when installed on prefabricated anchor blocks with grooves, tend to creep downwards and are difficult to slip onto threaded rods due to their deformable nature.

Innovation Solution

A sole comprising elastic pads made of a flexible material and a rigid frame, where the frame prevents deformation and facilitates assembly by limiting creep, allowing for adjustment of the equipment's orientation through compression of the pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a compressible midsole is used to adjust verticality, then ease of operation is improved, but the midsole creeps locally downwards towards grooves and becomes difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of verticalityVSAvoidcreep resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sole combines elastic material (for compressibility and adjustment) with a rigid frame structure (for creep resistance). This composite construction allows the sole to maintain its shape and resist downward creep into grooves while still enabling verticality adjustment through controlled compression of the elastic portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sole is divided into distinct functional zones: elastic compressible portions for adjustment and rigid frame elements for structural support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the elastic parts provide adjustment capability while the rigid frame prevents unwanted deformation and creep.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a deformable intermediate element is used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in slipping onto threaded rods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation adjustmentVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into distinct functional zones: elastic compressible portions for adjustment and rigid frame elements for structural support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the elastic parts provide adjustment capability while the rigid frame prevents unwanted deformation and creep.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sole utilizes material with different mechanical parameters - elastic regions for deformation and rigid regions for stability. By changing the physical state and mechanical properties of different parts, the sole achieves both adaptability for orientation adjustment and ease of installation through the rigid portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 is easy to use, has a low risk of undesirable creep, and provides strong and durable support while allowing for adjustment of the equipment's orientation relative to the anchor block.

Implementation Method 1

each elastic pad being provided with a passage orifice which passes through the elastic pad from the upper support side to the lower support side... the frame being made of a second material distinct from the first material and having greater rigidity to that of the first material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3170954B1Support plate, manufacturing process of such a plate and outdoor equipment comprising such a plate
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 LACROIX SOGEXI
  • EP3170954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3170954B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3170954B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This base (1), designed to be interposed between a base of outdoor equipment and an anchoring mass of this base in the ground, comprises: - several elastic pads (23) made of a first material, the elastic pads each having an upper bearing side (27) and a lower bearing side (29) opposite the upper bearing side, each elastic pad being provided with a passage orifice (31) which passes through the elastic pad from the upper bearing side to the lower bearing side, and - a support frame (25) for the elastic pads, the frame being made of a second material distinct from the first material and having a rigidity greater than that of the first material.