Variable Height Protrusion Insole for Footwear Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insoles face a challenge in balancing cushioning and support, as materials that provide high energy rebound can be too hard for comfort, while softer materials offer better cushioning but lack necessary support, particularly in areas like the arch.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning member with protrusions of varying heights, where taller protrusions deform first to absorb energy and provide initial cushioning, and shorter protrusions offer increased resistance for support as pressure increases, optimizing the balance between cushioning and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rigid, elastic materials such as rubbers and high durometer gels are used, then high energy rebound is provided, but the materials are too hard for comfortable use
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is segmented into multiple regions with different protrusion heights (taller protrusions in heel and forefoot, shorter protrusions in arch). This segmentation allows each region to provide different mechanical properties: taller protrusions provide cushioning for comfort, while shorter protrusions provide support for stability, resolving the contradiction between energy rebound and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insole are given different local qualities through varying protrusion heights. The heel and forefoot regions have taller protrusions for cushioning and energy absorption, while the arch region has shorter protrusions for support. This local differentiation allows the insole to provide both comfort and support simultaneously in different areas.
2Ease of operation
If softer materials like memory foams or low durometer foams are used, then higher levels of comfort and shock absorption are provided, but the materials lack the stiffness needed for proper support
Solution Approach 1:
The insole segments support and cushioning functions into different spatial locations. Softer materials with taller protrusions provide cushioning in heel and forefoot, while the same or harder materials with shorter protrusions provide support in the arch region. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both comfort and support through spatial differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of protrusion height variation to the material selection problem. Instead of choosing between soft and hard materials uniformly, the insole uses height variation (a third dimension) to differentiate between cushioning regions and support regions, allowing softer materials to provide both comfort and support in different areas.
3Device complexity
If uniform thickness cushioning material is used, then simple construction is maintained, but the insole cannot provide differentiated cushioning and support in different foot regions
Solution Approach 1:
The insole segments the cushioning surface into multiple height levels (taller and shorter protrusions) to provide region-specific performance. This segmentation is achieved through a single molding process that creates the varied surface in one step, maintaining construction simplicity while enabling differentiated functionality in heel, forefoot, and arch regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of protrusion height across different regions of the insole. By varying this single parameter (height) while maintaining the same basic structure and material composition, the insole achieves region-specific performance without complicating the construction process.
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 allows for tailored cushioning and support in specific areas of the insole, such as the heel and forefoot, enhancing comfort and resilience, reducing muscle fatigue during walking and running.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusions are configured to deform to provide cushioning
Implementation Method 2
The taller protrusions deform and absorb energy in response to pressure applied by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A removable insole for footwear, the removable insole includes a base, a plurality of walls extending from and curving along at least a portion of the base, the walls being configured to deform to provide cushioning, and an outer surface at least partially formed from distal ends of the walls, wherein at least a portion of a first wall is taller than an adjacent portion of a second wall so that the portion of the first wall deforms prior to the adjacent portion of the second wall in response to a pressure applied by a planar surface in contact with the outer surface of the cushioning member.