3D Outsole Dye Permeation for Durable Pattern Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming patterns on shoe outsoles, such as attaching films or applying paint, result in patterns that can peel off or degrade over time, affecting aesthetics and durability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving dye permeation into micropores on the inner or outer surface of a three-dimensional outsole, fixed through vacuum suction, ensuring the pattern is integrated and durable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a film is attached or paint is applied to form a pattern on the outsole, then the pattern can be formed on the surface, but the pattern may be peeled off or worn off over time, degrading durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern durabilityVSAvoidpattern retention time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole surface is designed with micropores that allow dye to penetrate and embed within the material structure. This porous structure enables the pattern to be integrated into the outsole rather than merely surface-applied, significantly improving durability and preventing peeling or wear off over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern formation process merges the dye application with the outsole material itself by allowing dye penetration into micropores. This combining of the pattern layer with the base material eliminates the interface between separate layers, preventing peeling and ensuring long-term retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If a film is attached or paint is applied to form a pattern on the outsole, then a pattern can be formed, but a beautiful pattern is not formed, degrading aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern qualityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microporous structure of the outsole enables uniform dye penetration and distribution, creating a beautiful and consistent pattern appearance. The porous material allows the dye to settle evenly within the microstructure, enhancing aesthetic quality while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If dye is permeated into micropores to fix the pattern, then pattern durability is improved, but the process requires vacuum suction and specific penetration depth control, increasing process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern fixationVSAvoidvacuum suction system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A vacuum suction system is employed to facilitate dye penetration into the micropores of the outsole. The vacuum creates negative pressure that draws the dye into the porous structure, ensuring uniform and controlled penetration to the required depth while simplifying the fixation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The penetration depth of the dye is controlled as a critical parameter, optimized to range from 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. This parameter control ensures sufficient durability while managing the complexity of the vacuum suction process by establishing a specific target depth for effective pattern fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The pattern is maintained with improved quality and durability, remaining intact even under strenuous conditions, with dye penetration depth of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm enhancing fixation and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the softened sheet having flexibility may be closely attached to a surface of the shoe outsole having the three-dimensional shape through vacuum adsorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the dye is permeated into the micropores through vacuum suction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

dye is permeated into micropores formed in an inner or outer surface of a shoe outsole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP4049549B1Three-dimensional out sole having improved pattern quality and durability, and shoe comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ASSEMS
  • EP4049549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4049549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4049549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional out sole having a pattern having improved quality and durability formed thereon, and a shoe comprising same. The three-dimensional out sole having a pattern having improved quality and durability, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, has a dye permeated into the surface of the outsole, and then set therein, thereby beautifully and stereoscopically forming an outsole pattern.