Suspension Heel With Compliant Plug For Footwear Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-heeled footwear lacks adequate cushioning due to rigid connections between the heel and sole, leading to discomfort and potential long-term injuries such as back issues, joint discomfort, and foot problems, while maintaining stability and style is a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A suspension heel system with a compliant heel plug and heel shaft that provides vertical compliance and a rolling action, distributing ground reaction forces through increased surface area contact, thereby attenuating force transmission and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connection is used between the heel and sole, then stability and durability are improved, but cushioning quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel assembly is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid heel component (shaft and flange) for structural stability and a separate compliant heel plug for cushioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant heel plug acts as an intermediary element between the rigid heel component and the ground surface. It mediates the interaction by absorbing impact forces while the rigid heel maintains structural integrity, thus providing both stability and cushioning simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a rigid connection is used between the heel and sole, then durability is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel assembly is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid heel component (shaft and flange) for structural stability and a separate compliant heel plug for cushioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant heel plug acts as an intermediary element between the rigid heel component and the ground surface. It mediates the interaction by absorbing impact forces while the rigid heel maintains structural integrity, thus providing both stability and cushioning simultaneously.
3Length of stationary object
If the heel component is elongated to increase virtual height, then style and height are improved, but shock absorbing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the heel assembly have different local qualities: the heel shaft and flange are rigid to provide structural support and height, while the heel plug is compliant to provide shock absorption. This local differentiation of material properties allows the heel to be both tall and shock-absorbing.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel assembly is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid heel component (shaft and flange) for structural stability and a separate compliant heel plug for cushioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and compliance.
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 suspension heel system effectively absorbs ground reaction forces, reducing discomfort and the risk of injuries by providing enhanced cushioning while maintaining the stability and style of high-heeled shoes.
Implementation Method 1
The compliant heel plug and the distal end of the heel shaft form a relief detail for providing force attenuation to the wearer
Implementation Method 2
the posterior region includes a curved surface with a predefined radius for providing a rolling action when contacting the ground during use of the article of footwear
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A suspension heel (14) is provided for use with footwear (10), such as high heeled shoes, to provide cushioning to the wearer. The suspension heel (14) includes a heel shaft (26) connected to the shoe sole (12) and a compliant heel plug (28) attached to the heel shaft (26). The shaft (26) includes a cavity or other receptacle (34) for receiving the compliant heel plug (28). The suspension heel (14) provides cushioning as well as stability for the wearer of the footwear, while maintaining aesthetic style. A relief detail (48) formed by the compliant heel plug (28) and the shaft (26) provides compliance by compressing when a force is applied. For instance, as a person walks in the shoe, ground contact applies a force to the suspension heel (14). The relief detail (48) deforms or compresses in response to the force, attenuating it and providing cushioning to the wearer.