Vertebral Insole for Pointe Shoes Using Segmented Shank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pointe shoe manufacturers face challenges in creating a flexible yet supportive sole that prevents lateral slipping of intervertebral discs and allows for easy assembly and replacement of components, while ensuring permanent control over the insole's resistance behavior.
Innovation Solution
The intelligent vertebral sole functional system consists of vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, and a rubber layer, connected without adhesives or mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment, with the rubber layer providing pre-tension and preventing lateral slipping, and the vertebral bodies allowing controlled bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the insole uses a resistant but inelastic material at the top with conically shaped vertebral bodies, then the insole provides stable support in the pointe position, but the insole lacks flexibility for other dance movements
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple vertebral bodies (V1, V2, V3, etc.) connected by intervertebral discs (S1, S2, S3, etc.). This segmentation allows different regions to have different functions: upper vertebral bodies provide stability for pointe work, while lower vertebral bodies allow flexibility for other movements. Each segment can independently respond to dance movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole transitions from a static, uniformly rigid structure to a dynamic, adaptive structure. The intervertebral discs enable the vertebral bodies to move relative to each other, allowing the insole to adapt its stiffness dynamically based on the dance movement being performed. The system can be stiff when needed for pointe work and flexible when needed for other movements.
2Reliability
If the insole uses glued connections between the rigid insole and elastic rubber layer, then the components are securely connected, but the assembly is difficult and permanent modification is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary connection system is introduced between the rigid insole components and the elastic rubber layer. This intermediary mechanism allows for secure connection during use while enabling easy disassembly and reassembly. The connection system acts as a mediator that provides both permanence during operation and reversibility for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole components are designed to be easily discarded and recovered. The modular vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs can be individually removed, replaced, or adjusted without damaging other components. This allows dancers to modify their insole configuration over time as their needs change.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the insole uses a uniformly stiff structure, then the insole provides consistent support, but the insole cannot adapt to individual foot anatomy or provide shock absorption
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the insole are given different properties to match the local requirements of the foot. The upper vertebral bodies are more resistant for pointe support, while lower vertebral bodies are more flexible for natural foot movement. The intervertebral discs can be selectively placed or removed to adapt to individual foot anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole combines multiple materials with different properties: resistant but inelastic material for the upper vertebral bodies, elastic rubber material for the lower vertebral bodies, and flexible intervertebral discs. This composite structure provides both structural consistency and adaptability to individual needs.
4Reliability
If the insole uses traditional multi-layer construction with cardboard, vulcanized fiber and leather, then the insole provides traditional support characteristics, but the insole lacks individual control over functional areas
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional multi-layer insole is segmented into multiple vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. This segmentation allows individual control over different functional areas of the insole. Each vertebral body and intervertebral disc can be independently adjusted or replaced to control the bending behavior in specific regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insole transitions from a static, uniformly constructed traditional insole to a dynamic system where the bending behavior can be individually controlled. The number, position, and properties of intervertebral discs can be adjusted to create different bending patterns in different areas, providing individual control over functional zones.
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 system provides a flexible and supportive sole that maintains stability and mobility throughout the shoe's life cycle, offering customizable resistance and preventing slipping, enhancing the dancer's performance and foot health.
Implementation Method 1
The lower material (L) in turn is resistant but elastic (e.g. rubber). As a result, the sole can be bent upwards, but its flexibility can be defined downwards by the vertebrae (V) and intervertebral discs (S).
Data Source
AI summary
The system has a backbone shank (B), elastic stick (S) and rubber strap (R) connected with one another. A rib structure engages the rubber strap into a hole of a backbone body (V). An upper strap of the backbone shank is designed as a joint, and an inner thin and flexible mounting sole is provided with a click rail (C). An outer sole is attached to an inner sole. The backbone shank is engaged into a click closure and connected with a pointe shoe in a fixed manner by a locking system, where bending characteristics of the shank are controlled by the stick.