Adjustable Footwear Width via Lead Screw and Grooved Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear is often sold in discrete sizes, linking length and width, which can result in an inadequate fit for many individuals, and existing adjustability mechanisms in footwear, such as pumps and lacing systems, suffer from durability, ease of adjustment, and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable width mechanism in footwear, featuring a sole with grooves and a width adjustment assembly that includes a lead screw, actuation strap, and anchor plate, allowing the wearer to adjust the forefoot width by rotating the lead screw, which compresses or expands the grooves in the sole, providing a reliable and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete sizes are used for footwear, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but the fit quality deteriorates because length and width are inextricably linked
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear sizing system is segmented by decoupling length and width adjustments. The width adjustment assembly operates independently from the length sizing, allowing width to be adjusted separately through a lead screw mechanism that moves the forefoot portion relative to the rearfoot portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear transitions from a static discrete size system to a dynamic adjustable system. The width adjustment assembly with lead screw and actuation strap enables continuous width adjustment within the footwear, allowing the fit to adapt dynamically to different foot widths while maintaining the same length size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If width adjustment mechanisms are added to footwear, then fit adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The width adjustment assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The lead screw mechanism simultaneously provides width adjustment, structural support for the forefoot portion, and a mounting system for the actuation strap, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The width adjustment assembly is nested within the footwear structure. The lead screw is positioned within the sole, with the actuation strap running through the footwear upper, and the adjustment device integrated into the existing footwear architecture rather than adding external bulk.
3Strength
If compression of sole material is used for width adjustment, then structural integrity is maintained, but adjustment range and comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented with grooves that allow controlled separation between the forefoot portion and rearfoot portion. These grooves enable the sole to expand and contract in the width direction without compromising overall structural integrity, providing a larger adjustment range than uniform compression would allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole incorporates flexible regions through grooves that allow the footwear to dynamically change width. The grooves create flexible zones that can open and close to adjust width while the rest of the sole maintains its structural strength and support properties.
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 mechanism allows for simple and durable adjustment of footwear width, enhancing comfort and performance by accommodating changes in foot size and personal preferences, while minimizing discomfort and wear on the shoe.
Implementation Method 1
A width adjustment assembly in accordance with the present disclosure can include a lead screw connected to an adjustment device. The adjustment device may be accessible to a wearer from the outside of the article of footwear by protruding from the sole.
Implementation Method 2
A width adjustment assembly can also include an actuation strap connected to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes a corresponding motion of the actuation strap.
Implementation Method 3
To provide for width adjustment, the sole may include grooves in an upper and lower portion thereof. Rather than attempting to compress the sole material, the grooves can allow for the necessary movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear having an adjustable width is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a lower sole and an upper sole. The lower and upper soles can have grooves to allow for expansion and contraction. The article of footwear can also include a width adjustment assembly. The width adjustment assembly can have a lead screw, an adjustment device accessible to a wearer from the outside of the article of footwear, an actuation strap, an anchor plate connected to the actuation strap. Rotation of the adjustment device can cause the lead screw to rotate, which in turn can change the tension in the actuation strap. Changes to the tension in the actuation strap can cause the width of the forefoot portion of an article of footwear to be adjusted.