Length-Adjustable Shoe With Dynamic Heel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes are difficult to put on quickly and may not fit perfectly, especially during athletic activities or competitions where time is critical, due to heel obstruction and the need for precise sizing.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable shoe design featuring a control device that connects the body and heel portions via a stretch fabric, allowing for easy adjustment of the shoe's length by moving the heel portion relative to the body portion using a fastener, lace, bands, or strap, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heel portion is separated from the body portion, then the shoe can be easily and quickly put on, but the structural complexity increases due to the need for a control device to connect and adjust the portions
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into a body portion and a heel portion that are separable from each other. The body portion is directly attached to the outsole while the heel portion is connected via stretch fabric, allowing independent movement and adjustment of the heel portion relative to the body portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables dynamic adjustment of the heel portion's position relative to the body portion. The heel portion can be moved in the axial direction from the rear end to the front end of the shoe, allowing the length to be adjusted at will and quickly adapted to different foot sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heel portion is moved relative to the body portion to adjust length, then the shoe can fit different foot sizes, but the time required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device allows rapid adjustment of the heel portion's position along the axial direction. By pulling or releasing the control device, the heel portion can be quickly moved to adjust the shoe length to fit different foot sizes without complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretch fabric connects the heel portion to the outsole, allowing elastic deformation and rapid adjustment of the heel portion's position. This enables quick length adjustment by changing the tension and position parameters of the stretch fabric and control device.
3Reliability
If the heel portion presses against the heel of the wearer, then the fit is secure and perfect, but the ease of putting on the shoe is reduced due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the heel portion from the body portion allows the heel portion to be positioned independently. During putting on, the heel portion can be temporarily positioned away from the heel to avoid obstruction, then adjusted to press against the heel for secure fit after the foot is inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables dynamic positioning of the heel portion. When putting on the shoe, the heel portion can be in a relaxed position that does not obstruct insertion. Once the foot is in place, the control device is activated to move the heel portion forward to press against the heel for secure fit.
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
Enables rapid and secure fitting, accommodating different foot sizes and shapes, reducing obstruction during donning and enhancing performance in sports by allowing quick adjustments to achieve a perfect fit.
Implementation Method 1
The stretch fabric connects the bottom edge of the heel portion and the outsole
Data Source
AI summary
A length-adjustable shoe, of which a length between a front end and a rear end thereof is adjustable, includes an outsole, an upper, a stretch fabric, and a control device. The upper includes a body portion and a heel portion which are mutually separated, wherein the body portion is directly attached on the outsole, and the stretch fabric connects a bottom edge of the heel portion and the outsole. The control device connects the body portion and the heel portion, wherein the control device moves the heel portion relative to the body portion as a whole in an axial direction from the front end to the rear end, which changes the length of the shoe.