Wave Spring Footwear Sole for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current footwear cushioning technologies, such as foams and springs, fail to effectively absorb impact energy while maintaining stability and energy return, leading to potential injuries and reduced athletic performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating wave springs encapsulated in compressible materials within the shoe sole, particularly in the heel and ball areas, to absorb impact and return energy during foot strikes, enhancing comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If compression springs are used for cushioning in footwear, then impact absorption is provided, but the spring constant is not appropriate for footwear as the spring is either fully compressed or not compressed enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring constant parameter by using wave springs instead of conventional compression springs. Wave springs provide a more appropriate spring constant for footwear that allows optimal compression during heel strike while maintaining stability, resolving the issue of springs being either fully compressed or not compressed enough.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional compression spring mechanism with a wave spring mechanism. This substitution provides a more suitable mechanical system for footwear cushioning, enabling the spring to operate within an optimal compression range during normal walking and running forces.
2Loss of energy
If torsion springs are used for cushioning in footwear, then impact absorption is provided, but the spring force is placed over a very small area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring type from torsion spring to wave spring, which fundamentally alters how the spring force is distributed. Wave springs provide a more distributed force pattern across a larger area of the shoe sole, reducing pressure concentration and improving comfort.
3Loss of energy
If wave springs are used in footwear, then impact energy is absorbed and energy is returned during foot strikes, but the spring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component spring assemblies with wave springs that provide both cushioning and energy return in a single integrated structure. This substitution reduces overall device complexity while achieving superior impact energy management through the inherent properties of wave spring mechanics.
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 wave spring system effectively reduces impact, decreases injury risk, and recovers energy for more efficient movement, while extending the shoe's lifespan by sharing energy absorption and return with the spring.
Implementation Method 1
Wave springs, which may be encapsulated in a compressible plastic and/or polymer, may be placed in the sole of a shoe... to cushion the impact of foot strikes
Implementation Method 2
Wave springs... may return a portion of the impact energy to the user for more efficient jumping, walking and/or running
Implementation Method 3
Wave springs, which may be encapsulated in a compressible plastic and/or polymer... to cushion the impact of foot strikes
Data Source
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AI summary
A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a midsole, a sole having a heel region, and a first wave spring disposed within a vacuity located within the heel region. The wave spring includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plate, resting upon the top surface of the wave spring, is unsecured to the midsole and sized to permit movement within the vacuity along with the wave spring responsive to a rolling foot strike.