Radially Thickened Traction Cleat with Reinforced Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleats for field sports suffer from reduced running speed due to deep penetration into the ground, leading to secondary sink and energy loss, and pose safety risks due to deep anchoring, while dynamic traction cleats face issues with reliability and durability under sudden stresses.
Innovation Solution
Radially thickened dynamic traction elements with increased cross-sectional area and mass, combined with a reinforced attachment system, provide effective traction without ground penetration, enhancing durability and safety by distributing forces evenly and resisting shear and torsional stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If longer studs are used to penetrate the ground more deeply, then traction is improved, but running speed is reduced due to secondary sink and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat employs dynamic traction elements that are flexible and capable of bending under load. These elements flex outwardly when force is applied, allowing the cleat to adapt to the ground surface and provide effective traction without the rigid penetration characteristics of traditional long studs that cause secondary sink and reduce running speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the traction elements by making them flexible rather than rigid. The dynamic traction elements can change their shape and orientation based on applied forces, transitioning from a rigid penetration mode to a flexible engagement mode that provides traction without the harmful secondary sink effect.
2Force
If longer studs are used to penetrate the ground more deeply, then traction is improved, but safety is compromised due to deep anchoring causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible dynamic traction elements can bend and deform under sudden loads, allowing the cleat to break away from the ground more easily when subjected to sudden momentum changes or lateral impacts. This dynamic response reduces the risk of injuries to ankles, legs, and knees by preventing the shoe from being deeply anchored to the turf.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible nature of the dynamic traction elements provides a cushioning effect before injuries can occur. The elements can deform and absorb energy during sudden impacts or collisions, reducing the transmission of harmful forces to the wearer's body and preventing injuries before they happen.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic traction elements are made thinner to allow flexure, then dynamic traction is enabled, but reliability and durability are reduced under sudden stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic traction elements are constructed from composite materials that combine flexibility with strength. This allows the elements to bend and flex under normal operating conditions to provide dynamic traction, while simultaneously possessing sufficient durability to withstand sudden stresses and forces without breaking or failing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat design incorporates varying thickness and material properties in different regions of the dynamic traction elements. The elements have sufficient thickness and structural reinforcement in critical areas to withstand sudden stresses, while maintaining flexibility in other regions to enable dynamic traction. This localized variation in properties allows both flexibility and durability to coexist.
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 results in improved traction efficiency, reduced risk of injury, and enhanced durability of the cleats, allowing for reliable performance during field sports without the drawbacks of conventional studs, by utilizing radially thickened dynamic traction elements and a robust locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
frictionally engage the surface, become entangled with grass blades and turf
Implementation Method 2
traction elements on the cleat flex, typically spreading outwardly, under the load of the wearer's weight
Implementation Method 3
locking stubs having increased angular length... each locking stub is engaged by a respective one of the locking posts
Data Source
AI summary
A traction cleat applicable for use in field sports is provided with dynamic traction elements having larger radial thickness, cross-sectional area and mass than dynamic elements in golf shoe cleats. The strength of a locking arrangement for the cleat in a shoe-mounted receptacle is enhanced by providing an annular array of spaced locking stubs on the receptacle to engage a similar array of spaced locking posts on the cleat.