Company: KEEN Footwear
Position: Product Innovation Intern
Task: Optimized midsole cushioning through dynamic structures
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I had pitched my Senior Design Project on 'Enhanced Running Performance through 3D-Printed Design'
to Keen Footwear as a proposed internship opportunity.
I then spent nine weeks in Portland, Oregon continuing this theme of midsole innovation,
utilizing 3D design and researching dynamic structures.
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Tasks:
• Design a shoe midsole of dynamic structure to provide angular cushioning intrinsic to a walking gait
• Work with the 3D-modeling team to form and print structures using Rhino and Grasshopper
• Research responsive materials and auxetic structures along with the biomechanics of running
• Study at on-site factory to analyze production line manufacturing; injection molding, upper & outsole assembly
• Research responsive materials and auxetic structures along with the biomechanics of running
• Study at on-site factory to analyze production line manufacturing; injection molding, upper & outsole assembly
Primary Inspiration: Auxetic Structures
Design 1: Uniform Auxetic Grid
Design 2: Angled Auxetic Grid
Design 3: Sectioned Honeycomb
