Two-Layer Shoe Sole with Sandwiched Upper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shoe soles with a three-layered structure, including an outsole, midsole, and insole, can be cumbersome and unnecessary, as they often require a hard layer and a midsole for support and comfort, which may not be optimally efficient in terms of wear resistance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A two-layered shoe sole architecture featuring an injection molded outsole and insole, both with durometer readings of 28 to 38 on the Asker C scale, directly fastened together without a midsole, where the upper's peripheral edge is sandwiched between them, eliminating the need for a hard layer and midsole, and using materials like polymeric foams for enhanced comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional three-layered sole structure (outsole, midsole, insole) is used, then the shoe provides adequate support and comfort, but the structure becomes cumbersome and less efficient in terms of wear resistance and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traditional three-layered sole structure (outsole, midsole, insole) into a two-layered structure by eliminating the midsole. The insole is made of a resilient material that provides both the support function previously requiring a midsole and the comfort function. This consolidation reduces structural complexity while maintaining necessary support through the single resilient insole layer working in conjunction with the outsole.
2Reliability
If a hard layer is used under the outsole for wear resistance, then the shoe achieves high wear resistance, but the shoe becomes less comfortable and requires additional layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the insole by specifying it be made of a resilient material with particular properties (durometer reading of at least 28 to at most 38 on the Asker C scale). This parameter change allows the insole to provide both comfort through resilience and adequate support, eliminating the need for a separate hard wear-resistant layer underneath the outsole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where the outsole and resilient insole are made of different materials with complementary properties. The outsole provides wear resistance while the resilient insole provides comfort and support. This composite approach allows each layer to optimize its specific function without requiring additional hard layers.
3Ease of operation
If a midsole is used for impact absorption, then the shoe provides good impact dampening, but the sole structure becomes more complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient insole is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides impact absorption (replacing the midsole function), foot support, and comfort (replacing part of the insole function). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate midsole layer, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adequate impact absorption capabilities.
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
This configuration provides a comfortable and wear-resistant shoe with reduced wear and no need for a sock liner, maintaining adequate foot support and minimizing abrasion, while being sufficiently resilient to mold to the walked-on surface.
Implementation Method 1
Based on the ability of the midsole material to deform reversibly, it absorbs or dampens mechanical impacts which are generated during the walking and running motions
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive may be used to fasten an upper surface of the outsole to the lower surface of the insole
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an injection molded outsole of a first material having a durometer reading of at least 28 to at most 38 on the Asker C scale, an injection molded insole of a second material having a durometer reading of at least 28 to at most 38 on the Asker C scale, and an upper, at least a section of a peripheral edge of the upper being sandwiched between the insole and the outsole.