SUBSTANTIAL ENERGY RETURN SHOE WITH OPTIMAL LOW-IMPACT SPRINGS, TUNED GEAR CHANGE, AND SMART KNEE BRACE

摘要

The optimized shoe invention comprises five embodiments and two methods to optimize both the performance and comfort of footwear for walking and running and for robotics, prosthetics and orthotics. First, there are three versions of enhanced heel-lift shoes for energy return much higher than that of just “springs in shoes.” Second, to minimize foot impact shoe there are ten enhanced optimal springs with 1% hysteresis loss. Third, for ankle and knee joints there is a rotating-arms enhanced optimal spring. Fourth, said enhanced optimal springs are incorporated into conventional shoes. Fifth, there is an automatic gear change mechanism to change the sole spring stiffness so that the sole is always close to full compression—so that the performance and comfort is always optimal. The optimal force curve method features a pre-loaded constant force curve tuned to a particular use. The shoe tuning method provides precise sole energies by slicing springs.