Author: Yitong Deng

Background

Badminton consists of many moves such as shuffling, jumping, gliding, lunging, among others. These have to be done accurately so that players maintain proper balance and remain in control of the game. Also, adequate footwork allows players to move around the court without falling and slipping, which reduces the chances of injury.

Problem

Since badminton is a game of high tempo, all moves require excellent balance, and in the heat of the competition, players need to execute their movements with speed and effectiveness. However, most of the badminton shoes in the current market have similar repetitive outsole pattern, which can not optimize different types of footwork to improve the performance of athletes.

Biomechanics Study

Here is some idea of “center of gravity” to understand badminton biomechanical principles. Center of gravity is a point in the body, which is pivotal in balancing the entire body. At that point, your body will be in perfect balance without any need to change posture or rotate to keep it in balance.

Similarly, line of gravity, base of support, mass of the individual and friction between contact surfaces are the other factors helping you to maintain balance. That is, the line of gravity should be approximately in or near the base of support, the base of support should be as wide as possible, the mass of the individual has to be optimum so as to achieve stability and increased friction should be there between the contact surfaces to maintain good balance while playing badminton.

 

Objective

I will apply parametric traction patterns on badminton shoes based on biomechanic inputs to achieve good grip while jumping, lunging or shuffling, as well as increase speed and agility during the game.

Prior Art

1. Yonex SHB-SC5 MX Badminton Shoes

The Yonex SHB-SC5 MX Badminton Shoe is designed for maximum stability and offer the player with the ultimate cushioning for comfort and protection for their ankles and feet.

On its outsole, a Hexagrip natural rubber is installed that not only gives you a good grip while jumping or lunging, it also gives a very light feel and increases your speed.

2. Babolat Shadow Spirit Badminton Shoes

The bottom sole has patterns made that enable good lateral movement and stopping power. It isn’t fully flat on the ground, which is a plus point, as it offers a quicker change in direct since you won’t be dragging on your movement.

3. ASICS Women’s Gel Upcourt

Even though its sole is pretty thin, but this doesn’t affect the comfort and stability that it provides. A plus point here is the better centre of gravity and injury prevention.

4. US8474155B2

Reference

1. Team, S. (2019, December 2). Why is Footwork Important in Badminton? Retrieved from https://www.sportsver.com/why-is-footwork-important-in-badminton/
2. Biomechanical Principles in Badminton. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.badminton-information.com/biomechanical_principles_in_badminton.html
3. Groningen, D. J. V. (n.d.). Effects of outsole shoe patterns on athletic performance. doi: 10.31274/etd-180810-5456

 

 

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Heel counter is an important part of a pair of basketball shoes. It started as an internal piece in the heel of the upper to provide better stability around the heel and Achilles. It also would help keep the collar of the shoe from dropping down, reinforcing it to aid in better fitment around the ankle. Over the years, the heel counter has become an area of heavy design focus as it has become an external piece.  They are generally molded out of TPU or directly injected onto the upper with EVA.

PROBLEM

The less movement at the heel, the better performance. However, due to the stiff material like TPU, heel counter can not provide adjustable fit around heel, for those players with narrow heels may not have snug fit for their heels, which will cause feet slippage during an intensive game.

BIOMECHANICAL STUDY

Based on the biomechanical study of Collar height and heel counter-stiffness for ankle stability and athletic performance in basketball, 15 university basketball players wore customized shoes with different collar heights (high and low) and heel counter-stiffness (regular, stiffer and stiffest) for this study. Ankle stability was evaluated in sidestep cutting while athletic performance evaluated in jumping and agility tasks. Results showed that the collar height might play a larger role in lateral stability than heel counter-stiffness, while both collar height and counter-stiffness have no effect on athletic performance.

 

OBJECTIVE

My goal is to develop a new basketball shoe upper construction with adjustable heel fit to provide better lockdown around the heel and prevent foot slippage.

PRIOR ART & PATENT

1. Nike FastFit Technology

It is a manual system that instantly secures the entire foot. How it works:

1. Loops on the tongue and heel allow easier entry
2.  The tightening system (which is contained at the instep) activates its cables with a single tug of a forefoot strap, creating a full 360-lockdown from heel to ankle to forefoot
3.  Eject by pulling the side loops to release the cables

The Fastfit of Air Jordan 33 SE is linked to heelpiece, so it can fit well with heelpiece. Although it’s not high type, but it can fit well with the foot.

 

2. Adidas Hugs Systems 

Hug is a laceless compression closure system that, with the flip of a lever, locks your foot into a zone of total comfort, security and control. The inspiration behind Hug comes from the High-Tech Downhill Ski Boots.
It features a revolutionary closure system that locks the foot securely in place, providing superior comfort and fit. The Hug element fits over the top area of the foot. This is attached to the rear of the shoe by cables which put the element under tension, which is maintained by a closure device on the heel counter. The closure device, a slider/ lever system is used to control the fit. Turning the adjustment wheel moves the slider up and down on the thread, giving the athlete the most precise fit possible.

However, it was hard to get a secure enough lockdown with the system, and the extra materials in the heel created balance issues.

 

3. Nike FlyEase Technology

FlyEase technology works with a magnetized heel that folds down and connects to the midsole, opening up the back of the shoe so you can slide your foot in without hands.

Articulated strap is connected to Flywire cables that lock the upper down over your foot with one upward pull. Then it wraps entirely around the heel and fastens securely, giving you a custom fit that locks you in.

4. Wraparound Lacing System

The lacing system includes a lace which encircles the housing of the article of footwear in a spiral, helical, coiled or similar wound wraparound pattern. The housing includes finger members which independently adjust to the contours of the wearer’s foot while providing a snug and secure fit.

Other Patents

5. US5755044A

6. US20030204938A1

 

7. US7082701B2

 

 

 

PAPER SEARCH

1.Valenzuela, J. P. (2019, September 6). How to Prevent Shoes from Slipping Off – Let’s Prevent Heel Slippage! Retrieved from https://comfortablewomenshoes.com/how-to-prevent-shoes-from-slipping-off-lets-prevent-heel-slippage

2. Liu, H., Wu, Z., & Lam, W.-K. (2017). Collar height and heel counter-stiffness for ankle stability and athletic performance in basketball. Research in Sports Medicine, 25(2), 209–218. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2017.1282352

3. Explaining Nike FastFit. (2018, September 20). Retrieved from https://news.nike.com/news/what-is-nike-fastfit

4. Sole Collector. (2016, October 20). Here and Gone Sneaker Technology. Retrieved from https://solecollector.com/news/2014/02/here-and-gone-sneaker-technology