Suspension Bridging Shoe With Dynamic Arch Wrap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional running shoes often cause runners to land on their heels, leading to joint injuries, while providing fixed arch support that may not suit individual needs, limiting the benefits of barefoot running such as toe splay and forefoot-striking gait.
Innovation Solution
A moveable shoe wrap overlay that provides adjustable arch support and a lacing system allowing for a roomy toe box, mimicking barefoot running by wrapping around the foot's arches and anchoring securely with laces, while the shoe's sole is flexible to conform to the foot, offering 360-degree support and toe splay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional running shoes are worn, then arch support is provided, but the runner lands on heels causing joint injuries and loses toe splay capability
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe upper is segmented into multiple independent components: a toe box portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. Each segment can be independently adjusted or removed, allowing the runner to configure the shoe for forefoot-striking by removing or adjusting the heel and midfoot portions while retaining toe box protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing system is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the runner to tighten or loosen different sections of the shoe independently. This enables the runner to secure the toe box for protection while leaving the heel and midfoot areas more open to facilitate forefoot landing and toe splay.
2Reliability
If traditional running shoes with fixed arch support are worn, then foot protection is provided, but the shoe does not accommodate variable dimensional needs of different runners
Solution Approach 1:
The arch support structure is made adjustable through a dynamic lacing system that allows runners to modify the arch support height and position. The lacing system can apply varying degrees of tension to different parts of the arch support, enabling customization for different foot shapes and arch heights.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shoe upper have different levels of adjustability and protection. The toe box provides fixed protection, while the midfoot and heel portions offer adjustable support. The arch support area allows localized adjustment to match individual foot anatomy.
3Ease of operation
If a roomy toe box is provided for toe splay, then barefoot running benefits are achieved, but arch support and secure fit are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into a roomy toe box segment and a separately adjustable midfoot/arch support segment. The toe box is designed with minimal structure to allow maximum toe splay, while the arch support segment can be independently adjusted to provide necessary support without constraining the toes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lacing system acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects the roomy toe box to the arch support structure. By adjusting the laces, the runner can secure the arch support area while leaving the toe box area open and unrestricted, effectively mediating between the need for toe freedom and arch support.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe that simulates barefoot running having an outer sole having a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a flexible bridge portion, wherein the flexible bridge portion is curved inwards to be narrower than a foot on both the lateral and medial sides, wherein the flexible bridge conforms to the foot's arch and is lifted off the ground when the shoe is tied onto the foot; a wrap overlay associated with the flexible bridge and having at least a first strap and at least a second strap, which are tied atop a metatarsal area of the foot, such that to suspend the flexible bridge therefrom and provide a 360 degrees wrap of the foot in the arch section of the foot, resulting in both, arch support and the shoe's anchoring to the foot; and, a roomy toe box providing toe splay and facilitating forefoot-striking