Adjustable Shoe Tree Heel Assembly for Shape and Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe trees lack customization options and effective moisture management, leading to creasing, odor issues, and limited adaptability to different shoe sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A user-configurable shoe tree device with a foot-shaped body portion and a removable, pivotable heel member, featuring a ball-shaped heel contact and adjustable length, along with interchangeable body portions and heel members for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional shoe trees are used to maintain shoe shape, then shoe shape preservation is improved, but customization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe tree is divided into separate modular components: a body portion and a heel portion that can be independently adjusted and reconfigured. This segmentation enables customization of different shoe tree configurations to fit various shoe types and sizes while maintaining effective shape preservation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe tree incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements, particularly in the heel portion assembly, allowing users to dynamically adapt the shoe tree to different shoe configurations. The adjustable heel portion enables the same shoe tree to maintain optimal shape preservation across multiple shoe types.
2Shape
If conventional shoe trees are used to prevent creasing, then shoe shape maintenance is improved, but moisture management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe tree incorporates moisture-absorbing material specifically in the body portion that contacts the shoe interior, while maintaining the structural integrity needed for shape maintenance. This localized application of moisture management functionality addresses the harmful moisture factor without compromising the shape maintenance capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable heel portion is implemented, then adaptability to different shoe sizes is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable heel portion is designed as a separate, self-contained assembly that can be independently adjusted and locked into position. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be isolated to one component, reducing the overall complexity of the shoe tree while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel portion utilizes a spherical adjustment member that rotates within a curved track or slot, providing smooth adjustment across different positions. This curved geometry simplifies the adjustment mechanism compared to linear or multi-component systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
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 device effectively maintains shoe shape, prevents creasing, and enhances moisture management through customizable components that adapt to different shoe sizes and shapes, while also providing a decorative and functional option.
Implementation Method 1
a retainment ball which is biased toward the opening by a spring or other biasing member configured to do so
Implementation Method 2
customizable body portions with moisture-absorbing surfaces to prevent creasing and odor issues
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe tree having a body with an exterior surface for contacting an interior surface defining a shoe interior cavity during storage. An adjustment member removably engages with a mount on a rear wall of the body of the shoe tree and is engaged to a heel member. The heel member, when rotated on the adjustment member, will increase or decrease the overall length of the shoe tree. The body portion may include an insert which has indicia thereon concerning one or both of a location of purchase or the owner of the shoe tree.