Aqua Shoe Anti-Slip Suction Cup and Hydrophilic Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoes designed for watery places often compromise on comfort and durability due to material choices, and existing anti-slip solutions do not effectively manage sweat and water expulsion, leading to slipperiness and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
An aqua shoe with an integrated outsole part featuring suction cups and protuberances that provide suction force and relieve pressure, combined with a mesh insole and upper materials for comfort and water expulsion, using the Bonis sewing method for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shoes are made of thin materials with high softness for water resistance, then comfort is improved, but wearing sensation deteriorates when water infiltrates and safety is compromised due to slipperiness
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple functional regions: hydrophobic material regions for water resistance, hydrophilic material regions for water absorption and sweat expulsion, and protrusion structures for traction. This segmentation allows different areas to perform specialized functions that collectively resolve the contradiction between comfort and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with distinct properties (hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic) are applied to specific locations on the sole. The hydrophobic material is placed in areas requiring water resistance, while hydrophilic material is positioned in areas needing water absorption and sweat management, creating local quality variations that address both comfort and safety requirements.
2Strength
If shoes are made of leather to maintain shape and durability, then durability is improved, but comfort and ventilation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe combines multiple materials with complementary properties: hydrophobic materials (such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene) provide durability and water resistance, while hydrophilic materials (such as cotton, wool, or rayon) provide comfort and breathability. This composite material approach allows the shoe to simultaneously achieve durability and comfort that neither material could provide alone.
3Reliability
If existing anti-slip structures are used, then slip prevention is improved, but sweat and water expulsion capability deteriorates leading to continued slipperiness
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic material regions are designed with porous structures that enable efficient water and sweat absorption. These porous materials draw moisture away from the foot through capillary action, preventing sweat accumulation that would otherwise reduce traction and cause slipping, thus resolving the contradiction between anti-slip functionality and moisture management.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe sole incorporates dynamic moisture management through the interaction between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. As the foot moves and sweats, moisture is continuously absorbed by hydrophilic areas and redistributed, creating a dynamic system that maintains optimal traction conditions throughout activity rather than a static anti-slip surface.
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 aqua shoe enhances safety and comfort by utilizing suction force for anti-slip functionality and efficient water expulsion, while being lightweight and durable, fitting well with the foot's motion and shape.
Implementation Method 1
a suction part includes a cup that tightly contacts along the cup rim to the ground surface to provide, by being compressed, suction force
Implementation Method 2
frictional force is generated by the reinforcement hump, and slip is prevented
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a shoe with a superior wearing sensation that is equipped with an anti-slip structure to forward comfort and safety in a watery place, and more specifically, to an aqua shoe including an upper that covers an instep from above, an insole part that connects to the lower part of the upper and an outsole part which is integrated by adhesion with the insole part and the upper and which is supported by an outsole surface, wherein the outsole part is equipped with an anti-slip structure in which a plurality of suction parts are arranged while a suction part includes a cup that tightly contacts along the cup rim to the ground surface to provide, by being compressed, suction force and a protuberance that protrudes downward from the center of the cup.