Variable-Curvature Shoe Spring Element for Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping elements in shoes, particularly running shoes, struggle to effectively absorb impact energy during landing and efficiently return it during push-off, leading to inefficient energy transfer and increased resistance during running.
Innovation Solution
The incorporation of spring elements with varying curvature radii, specifically between the insole and outsole, utilizing elliptic and/or parabolic curves to enhance energy absorption and return, combined with heel and forefoot springs connected by a midfoot portion for optimized energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If damping elements use conventional curvature designs, then manufacturing is simpler, but energy absorption and return efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved geometries (elliptic and/or parabolic arcs) to the damping element between insole and outsole. This curvature design enables the element to naturally roll during foot movement, optimizing energy absorption during impact and energy return during push-off, directly resolving the contradiction by using geometric form to enhance energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If damping elements absorb more impact energy, then joint protection is improved, but energy return during push-off is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the damping element, specifically the radius of curvature varying along the arc length. This parameter variation allows the element to provide progressive resistance during compression (protecting joints) while maintaining elastic recovery capability (returning energy during push-off), thus resolving the contradiction between protection and energy return.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is made from elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (Shore A 40-90 or Shore D 10-70). This material selection provides the necessary combination of shock absorption capability for joint protection and elastic recovery for energy return, resolving the contradiction through material property optimization.
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 design optimizes energy absorption and return, reducing resistance and enhancing running efficiency by allowing natural rolling and efficient force transmission, tailored to individual anatomical needs.
Implementation Method 1
Damping elements shall, on the other side, return the energy that was collect during the strike during push-off
Implementation Method 2
the impact energy is absorbed and damped during striking, in the so called landing phase in order to protect the body of the athlete
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a spring device for a shoe for arrangement between an insole and an outsole. The spring device comprises a lower outsole portion and an upper insole portion, wherein the lower outsole portion and the upper insole portion are connected to each other via a curvature. At least one section of the curvature has a continuously varying radius of curvature, which increase towards the outsole portion. Both portions may be substantially parallel with respect to each other in a resting state.