Walled Cleat System for Lateral Stability in Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports shoes with cleat systems fail to provide adequate lateral stability and traction, which is essential for dynamic movements on various surfaces like natural and synthetic turf.

Innovation Solution

A walled cleat system is introduced, featuring primary and secondary cleats arranged in an alternating pattern on the outer peripheral zone of the sole, with primary cleats having a larger height than secondary cleats, and toe cleats designed to engage the ground surface, forming a continuous wall-like surface for enhanced traction and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional cleat systems are used, then the structure is simple, but lateral stability and traction are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidcleat system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleat system is segmented into multiple rows with primary cleats and secondary cleats arranged in alternating patterns. This segmentation allows each row to contribute differently to traction and stability, with primary cleats providing main penetration and secondary cleats enhancing lateral stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and lateral stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a dimensional aspect by arranging cleats in multiple rows with varying heights and orientations. The alternating pattern of primary and secondary cleats creates a three-dimensional walled structure that engages the ground surface at different levels, improving lateral stability without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If cleats are arranged to maximize penetration, then ground engagement is improved, but lateral support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground penetration forceVSAvoidlateral support
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different rows of cleats are given different local qualities through varying heights and orientations. Primary cleats are designed for maximum ground penetration with greater height, while secondary cleats provide lateral support with optimized positioning. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both strong ground engagement and lateral support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2200464B1Article of footwear with walled cleat system
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP2200464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2200464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2200464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An article of footwear with primary cleats and secondary cleats is disclosed. The primary and secondary cleats are preferably disposed on an outer peripheral zone of a forefoot portion of a sole and present a walled cleat system on a portion of the outer peripheral zone. The article of footwear also includes bladed toe cleats.