Twisted Foot Support Structure for Motion Control and Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic footwear sole structures lack effective control over harmful foot motion and do not provide sufficient flexibility and energy return during various activities, limiting natural foot motion and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A flexible foot support structure with twisted foot support members that include a first and second foot support portion oriented differently, connected by a twist portion, providing regions of relative flexibility and stiffness to mimic natural foot movement and return energy during activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sole structure is used, then the footwear provides basic support and protection, but it fails to control harmful foot motion and limit provides insufficient flexibility and energy return
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support structure is divided into multiple segments including a first foot support portion, a second foot support portion, and a twist portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform specific functions - providing support where needed while allowing flexibility in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between motion control and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The twist portion is designed to dynamically rotate and twist between the first and second foot support portions during foot movement. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to varying foot positions and motions, providing both stability for motion control and flexibility for natural foot movement and energy return
2Reliability
If the sole structure is made rigid to control foot motion, then motion control improves, but natural foot motion and comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the foot support structure have different structural qualities - the first and second foot support portions provide rigid support for motion control, while the twist portion provides flexible, dynamic movement. This local differentiation allows the structure to control harmful motion while permitting natural foot motion in appropriate areas
Solution Approach 2:
The twist portion introduces dynamic flexibility to an otherwise supportive structure. It allows the foot to naturally move and flex while maintaining overall structural integrity for motion control, thus resolving the contradiction between rigid support and natural motion
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 twisted foot support structure allows for natural foot motion and energy return, enhancing comfort and performance by providing flexibility where needed and stiffness where required, thus improving foot support and motion control during walking, running, and other activities.
Implementation Method 1
A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A foot support structure for an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device may include a first foot support portion disposed in a first orientation and a second foot support portion disposed in a second orientation different than the first orientation. A twist portion may extend continuously from the first foot support portion to the second foot support portion and twist from the first orientation to the second orientation A common face of the foot support member may extend over at least part of the first foot support portion, at least part of the second foot support portion and the twist portion.