image credit: tag heuer ©
challenge
Many of the 100 million runners worldwide suffer from medical conditions due to incorrect running techniques combined with the impact of up to three times one‘s body weight during training.
What if the impact is not absorbed, but used actively to create energy? This energy powers an active suspension system which adapts intelligently to your surface, your individual physique, running style and speed.
reebok piezoelectric suspension.
image credit: tag heuer ©
reebok piezoelectric suspension.
piezoelectric "engines"
Create electricity with every step to power a smart suspension system within the unit, which calibrates and adjusts within split seconds. The PS (Piezoelectric Suspension) system analyses points of stress in the sole and actively decreases or increases the stiffness of the suspension. It creates the ideal support to ergonomically fit running style, speed, surface terrain and incline.
This prevents not only injuries and strains but analyses your style and training so you can run better, faster and healthier.
image credit: tag heuer ©
race mode
The runner can keep the system on automatic or he can use his handheld monitor to change to race mode.
Once pressed the sole lowers by 2mm and the PS system adjust the suspension to match a professional running shoe with limited comfort but perfect traction and control.
how the technology works
At the heart of the concept are Piezoelectric Polymer Springs - how do they work? The piezoelectric effect is a reversible process in that materials exhibiting the direct piezoelectric effect (the internal generation of electrical charge resulting from an applied mechanical force – i.e. it makes electricity) also exhibit the reverse piezoelectric effect (the internal generation of a mechanical force resulting from an applied electrical field – i.e. the springs get softer or harder depending on the electric current).
The result is an autonomous system which responds to detailed feedback on pressure points by automatically softening or stiffening the 20 piezo springs in each shoe individually.
