Adjustable Footwear Sole Width via Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting sole widths in footwear are either strain-inducing due to fixed attachment methods or lack the flexibility to accommodate various sizes, leading to reduced strength and elasticity, and require multiple molds for different sizes, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A sole with a fixed region and an adjustable region, where the adjustable region has a lower glass transition temperature than the fixed region, allowing for deformation when heated between the two temperatures, enabling width adjustment without compromising structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple molds are used for different sole widths, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mold that can produce soles of multiple different widths. The mold includes an adjustable component system that allows the same mold to be configured for different sole widths, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated molds for each width specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable and movable components within the mold structure. The mold includes adjustable side walls or positioning mechanisms that can be moved between different positions to define different sole widths, allowing the mold to dynamically adapt to various production requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed attachment methods are used for sole portions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reliability and strength deteriorate due to constant flexing and compression strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the glass transition temperature property of the sole material. The adjustable region is made of material with a lower glass transition temperature, allowing it to be deformed at elevated temperatures and then locked in place. This thermal parameter change enables permanent shape adjustment without compromising the structural integrity or creating constant strain on the material.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable regions with lower glass transition temperature are used, then adaptability is improved for width adjustment, but manufacturing precision may worsen due to temperature control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mold with adjustable components that define the desired sole width before the actual sole production. The mold is adjusted to the required width specification, and then the sole material is molded in that predetermined configuration, ensuring dimensional control is established before the forming process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by heating the adjustable region material above its glass transition temperature to make it deformable, allowing width adjustment, and then cooling it below the transition temperature to lock the new shape. This controlled phase transition enables precise dimensional control while maintaining adaptability for different width requirements.
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 customizable sole widths with reduced manufacturing costs by using a single mold for different widths, maintaining strength and elasticity, and accommodating various foot sizes without strain.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustable region having a second glass transition temperature that is lower than the first glass transition temperature; heating the sole to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between the first glass transition temperature and the second glass transition temperature; deforming the sole to have a second width
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of manufacturing a customized sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.