Adjustable Footwear Last With Inflatable Member And Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear manufacturing lacks an efficient method for adjusting the size and shape of articles, particularly in the footwear industry, where each size requires a distinct last, leading to increased costs and complexity in production and fitting.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable member with an adjustable portion and a support plate, featuring a pivot support portion, linkage arm, and a wedge member, which allows for the adjustment of the inflatable member's size and shape by pivoting and translating components, enabling it to fit various footwear sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional footwear manufacturing uses distinct lasts for each size, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The last is designed with adjustable components including a movable wedge member and linkage arm that allow dynamic modification of the last's dimensions. The wedge member can be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis to adjust the width and shape of the last, enabling a single last to accommodate multiple footwear sizes while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A single adjustable last serves multiple functions by accommodating various footwear sizes and shapes. The last can be configured to fit different width categories (e.g., narrow, regular, wide) and lengths through the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated lasts and reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct lasts are used for different footwear sizes, then adaptability is achieved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable last incorporates dynamic elements including a wedge member that can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis and a linkage arm that connects the wedge to the last body. This mechanical adjustment system enables the last to adapt its dimensions to match different footwear sizes, providing size adaptability without requiring multiple distinct last designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The last allows for parameter changes in its physical dimensions through the adjustment mechanism. By changing the position of the wedge member and the corresponding movement of the linkage arm, the last can modify its width, length, and overall shape parameters to accommodate various footwear sizes, achieving versatility through controlled parameter variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable mechanism is added to the last, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple wedge-based system. The wedge member, when inserted and positioned, automatically engages with the linkage arm to effect the desired adjustment without requiring complex controls or additional actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach provides fit customization while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment functionality is extracted as a separate, modular component system consisting of the wedge member and linkage arm that can be independently designed and integrated into the last. This extraction allows the adjustment mechanism to be optimized for adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable, as the adjustment components are distinct from the main last structure.
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 inflatable member can be used to customize the fit of footwear by adjusting its size and shape, reducing the need for multiple lasts and enhancing the adaptability of the footwear to different foot shapes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and improving customer fit options.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge member configured to move with respect to the support plate
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable last that may be inserted into an article includes provisions so that the position of an adjustable portion of the adjustable last can be changed according to the size of the article. In some embodiments, the adjustable last includes an inflatable member that can be filled with fluid according to the size of the article, and may be used to adjust the size of the article. Other embodiments do not include an inflatable member. The adjustable last can include an adjustment assembly for adjusting the adjustable portion. The adjustment assembly can include a wedge member.