Angled Tubular Knit Footwear Upper for Force Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear uppers lack efficient force distribution and comfort, leading to hotspots and reduced durability due to inadequate design and material properties.
Innovation Solution
The use of angled tubular knit structures within the footwear upper, integrated through a knitting process, to distribute forces more naturally and reduce pressure points, combined with customizable materials and fastening systems for enhanced comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional footwear uppers are used with traditional materials and construction, then manufacturing is simpler, but force distribution is inadequate leading to hotspots and reduced comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple knit structures with different orientations (first knit structures extending in a first direction, second knit structures extending in a second direction). This segmentation allows each knit structure to independently manage forces in specific directions, improving overall force distribution and comfort while maintaining a integrated upper construction
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper incorporate knit structures with different orientations and properties tailored to local requirements. The first knit structures are optimized for forces in one direction while the second knit structures address forces in another direction, creating locally optimized force distribution throughout the upper
2Reliability
If conventional footwear uppers lack proper force distribution design, then manufacturing is easier, but durability is reduced due to hotspots and stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented into multiple knit structures with different orientations to distribute stresses across multiple pathways. This prevents stress concentration at single points, reducing hotspot formation and improving durability without requiring post-manufacturing reinforcements
Solution Approach 2:
The upper combines different knit structures with distinct orientations and material properties into a single integrated construction. This composite approach allows optimization of each knit structure for specific mechanical requirements, enhancing overall durability through diversified force distribution
3Ease of operation
If traditional upper designs are used, then weight is reduced, but force distribution efficiency is inadequate leading to comfort issues
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented into multiple knit structures that work together to distribute forces efficiently. This segmentation achieves superior force distribution through the knit structure geometry itself, eliminating the need for additional heavy components or complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation and arrangement parameters of the knit structures are optimized to achieve efficient force distribution. By adjusting the directional properties of the knit structures rather than adding mass, the design achieves improved force distribution efficiency while maintaining lightweight characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An upper for an article of footwear may include a first tubular knit structure, where the first tubular knit structure includes a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being separable such that a first passage is located between the first layer and the second layer. A second tubular knit structure may be included, where the second tubular knit structure includes a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer and the fourth layer being separable such that a second passage is located between the third layer and the fourth layer. A longitudinal direction of the first tubular knit structure may be angled at least 5 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the second tubular knit structure.