Waterproof Breathable Shoe Sole Structure with Midsole Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leather soles in shoes are prone to water absorption, leading to discomfort, mold growth, and limited breathability, while existing waterproof and breathable solutions restrict transpiration and provide inadequate shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure featuring a breathable tread with a midsole containing channels and ventilation ports, sealed by a waterproof and breathable functional element, made from materials like polyurethane or EVA, which allows for fluid communication while preventing water ingress and enhancing shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through openings and channels are provided in the midsole to improve breathability, then air exchange between the shoe interior and exterior is enhanced, but water or liquids can penetrate through these openings and channels into the shoe interior
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof and breathable membrane is integrated into the midsole structure, forming a flexible barrier that allows air molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules. This membrane is positioned within the channels and openings to maintain breathability while preventing water penetration into the shoe interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole is constructed as a composite structure combining breathable material (such as leather or textile) with a waterproof membrane layer. This composite design allows the shoe to benefit from both the breathability of the outer material and the waterproofing capability of the membrane, resolving the contradiction between air exchange and water protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof and breathable membrane is applied to the sole to prevent water penetration, then water ingress is reduced, but the transpiration of the shoe is substantially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof and breathable membrane is designed as a selective barrier with micropores that allow water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. This flexible film maintains breathability by permitting transpiration of air and water vapor, while simultaneously providing waterproof protection against liquid water ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane utilized is a porous material with controlled pore sizes that enable selective permeability. The porous structure allows gas molecules (air and water vapor) to diffuse through for breathability, while the pore size is engineered to prevent liquid water penetration, thus maintaining both waterproofing and breathability functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealant is applied on the surface of the sole to prevent water penetration, then waterproofing is improved, but the breathable area is limited and breathability is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying sealant that would block breathability, a flexible waterproof and breathable membrane is integrated into the midsole structure. This membrane provides waterproofing capability while maintaining breathability through its selective permeable properties, eliminating the need for breathability-limiting sealant applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof and breathable membrane acts as an intermediary element between the shoe interior and exterior environments. It mediates the interaction by allowing beneficial exchanges (air and vapor transpiration) while blocking harmful intrusions (liquid water), thus providing both waterproofing and breathability functions simultaneously.
4Reliability
If leather is used for the tread to provide natural breathability and aesthetic appearance, then breathability and visual appeal are improved, but the shock-absorbing ability is limited due to leather being harder and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is designed as a composite system combining leather tread with a midsole made of softer, more flexible materials such as foam or rubber. This composite construction allows the leather tread to provide breathability and aesthetic appearance, while the softer midsole material absorbs shocks and impacts, compensating for leather's limited shock-absorbing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole is divided into distinct functional segments: the leather tread segment for breathability and aesthetics, and the midsole segment for shock absorption and comfort. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, with the leather tread maintaining its natural breathability while the separate midsole layer providing the necessary shock-absorbing capability.
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
The solution maintains breathability even when the tread is wet, provides effective shock absorption, and ensures comfort by preventing water from entering the shoe, while being easy to manufacture and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof and breathable functional element which seals said at least one first opening in a waterproof manner
Implementation Method 2
at least one first channel having at least one ventilation port for the fluidic communication with the outside environment
Implementation Method 3
A further object of the invention is to develop a waterproof and breathable sole structure that is able to absorb the force of an impact and/or shock with the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a sole structure (10, 110, 910) comprising a tread (11, 111, 911), which comprises at least one portion of breathable material (11′, 111′, 911′), and a midsole (12, 112, 212, 312, 912) coupled to said tread (11, 111, 911), said midsole having:—at least one first channel (13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813) having at least one ventilation port (14) for the fluidic communication with the outside environment, —at least one first through opening (15, 115, 215, 315) in fluidic communication with said at least one first channel (13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813), said sole structure (10, 110, 910) comprises a waterproof and breathable functional element (16, 216, 316) which seals said at least one first opening (15, 115, 215, 315) in a waterproof manner. A shoe (20) with said sole structure (10, 110, 910) is further object of the invention.