Shock Absorbing Shoe Soles Inspired by Honeycombs
By Jason Kim and Aidan Su
Problem and Solution
Problem: Walking for long periods of time can cause pain not just in feet but also in the leg or even hips. The source of the problem can be attributed to the constant shock forces when the ankle strikes the ground.
Solution: We decided to make shock absorbent material in the soles of shoes that can soften the force on the ankles and feet.
Evolutionary Idea
- Interconnected structure
- Space Efficient
- Manages compression
ConceptualPrecedent
Technical Precedent
Jason's Initial Sketches
Yuanbin's Initial Sketches
Initial Idea
Final Idea Sketch
Prototype Pieces
First Prototype
Feedback from Mid review
- Use more stronger and more flexible material
- Increase the amount of hexagons used in groups to absorb more shock
- Fill up the hexagons on the entire sole
- Stack hexagons on top of each other to like honeycombs to take advantage of their shape
Failed Final Product Sketch
Failed Final Product
Hexagon Stacking Pattern (Rhino)
Honeycomb Piece (Rhino)
Failed Final Product
Laser Cut Honeycomb Pieces
The pieces were not flexible / compressible. They could not absorb shock and were stiff despite the fact it was cardboard. Also made the insole very lofty.
New Final Product Idea
Silicon Honeycomb
Silicone Honeycombs
Final Prototype Iteration
Finished Final Prototype
Foam Sheet
Silicon Hexagons
Video of prototype in function
Applying Feedback
- We used silicone rubber for the hexagons which is easily compressible while durable and not able to be ripped easily
- We filled up the entire sole with "honeycombs"
- We placed the honeycombs side by side
- We decided not to stack the hexagons because it made the sole unstable, allowing it to sway forward and backward or side to side easily with the extra joints; by not doing it, the sole can basically only compress up and down