Fastener-Free Running Shoe with Adaptive Compression Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener-free running shoes lack the support and stability needed for sports activities, leading to an increased risk of injury, and they often result in the foot slipping beyond the shoe sole during angled steps, which is not adequately addressed by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A fastener-free running shoe design featuring a textile upper with strategically arranged tension and pulling straps that exert compression and pulling forces along non-expanding lines of the foot, providing stability and preventing foot slippage without the need for laces, zippers, or other fasteners, thereby enhancing support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners (laces, hook and loop fasteners) are used to retain the running shoe on the wearer's foot, then the hold and support of the foot in the shoe is improved, but the overall weight of the running shoe increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all traditional fastening components (laces, hooks, loops) from the shoe structure, extracting the fastening function entirely and replacing it with an elastic upper material that provides retention through material properties rather than mechanical fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the upper material by using elastic textile with specific compression and stretch characteristics, allowing the material to dynamically adapt to foot movement while maintaining hold without additional weight
2Stability of the object's composition
If laces are used to retain the running shoe, then the hold of the foot is improved, but pressure points occur and knots can come loose during running
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates laces and all mechanical fastening systems, removing the source of pressure points and loose knots entirely while maintaining foot retention through the elastic properties of the upper material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simple, integrated elastic upper material that provides continuous, uniform pressure without the need for adjustment or maintenance
3Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used to retain the running shoe, then the ease of closing and opening is improved, but the fastening effect is lost after only a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hook and loop fasteners entirely, replacing the mechanical fastening approach with an elastic material system that provides continuous retention without degradation over time
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic upper material automatically adjusts and maintains its fastening function through its inherent elastic properties, requiring no user intervention or adjustment while maintaining reliable hold throughout use
4Weight of moving object
If fastener-free design with elastic textile upper is used, then the weight and complexity are reduced, but the hold and support during sports activities is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastic properties of the upper material, using specific compression and stretch parameters that provide sufficient hold during sports activities while maintaining light weight and fastener-free design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite textile materials combining elastic properties with structural support characteristics, creating an upper that provides both light weight and adequate support for sports activities
5Device complexity
If fastener-free running shoes are used, then the simplicity and weight are improved, but the ability to prevent foot slippage beyond the shoe sole periphery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the compression force parameters of the elastic upper material to provide sufficient friction and pressure to prevent foot slippage beyond the shoe sole periphery while maintaining fastener-free simplicity
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 design provides comparable support to laced running shoes, reduces the risk of injury, and prevents foot slippage, while maintaining a low weight and comfortable fit, ensuring stability and security during running.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one tension strap is configured such that it exerts an inwardly directed compression force in the worn state
Implementation Method 2
the at least one tension strap is configured such that it exerts an inwardly directed compression force in the worn state
Data Source
AI summary
A running shoe with a lateral side, a medial side, a heel section, a forefoot section, and a midfoot section. A front end of the forefoot section forms a toe box and a rear end of the heel section forms a heel counter. The running shoe includes a sole and an upper, wherein the upper has a textile main material. The running shoe has tightening bands with at least one compressing tightening band and tensioning bands with at least one compressing tensioning band. The tightening bands are arranged in the heel section and in the midfoot section of the running shoe and in the forefoot section. At least one tightening band is configured to exert an inwards-directed compression force when the shoe is worn and is configured to run along a non-expanding line (line of non-extension) of the foot of the wearer when the shoe is worn.