Ballistic Nylon Flexible Shoe for Uneven Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional footwear lacks flexibility and durability to effectively accommodate uneven surfaces and harsh environments, particularly in wet or underwater conditions, where it struggles to provide a secure fit and resist abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A flexible shoe design featuring an under sole made of ballistic nylon, a foot bed of neoprene, and over-foot portions made of stretch-fit rubber, which together form a cavity to enclose the foot, providing flexibility, abrasion resistance, and a secure fit through resilient stitching and adjustable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional footwear is used, then structure and support are provided, but flexibility and adaptability to uneven surfaces are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to uneven surfacesVSAvoidfootwear structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear is divided into distinct functional segments: an under sole made of ballistic nylon for durability, a foot bed of neoprene for comfort and flexibility, and over-foot portions of stretch-fit rubber for adaptability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall flexibility and support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible materials throughout the footwear construction. The under sole uses ballistic nylon that maintains flexibility, the foot bed uses neoprene for conformability, and the over-foot portions use stretch-fit rubber that actively adapts to foot shape and movement. These flexible shell structures enable the footwear to conform to uneven surfaces while providing necessary support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional footwear materials are used, then durability is provided, but resistance to abrasion in harsh environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidabrasion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear utilizes composite material construction combining ballistic nylon for the under sole, neoprene for the foot bed, and stretch-fit rubber for the over-foot portions. Each material contributes specific properties: ballistic nylon provides superior abrasion resistance and durability, neoprene offers flexibility and comfort, while stretch-fit rubber provides both durability and adaptability. This composite approach maximizes resistance to harsh environments while maintaining overall footwear integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If conventional footwear design is used, then support is provided, but secure fit in wet environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fitVSAvoidwet environment performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The footwear design incorporates materials whose properties are optimized for wet environments. The stretch-fit rubber over-foot portions maintain their elastic properties and securing capability in wet conditions, while the neoprene foot bed resists water absorption and maintains comfort. The ballistic nylon under sole provides structural stability regardless of moisture exposure. These parameter-optimized materials ensure secure fit and comfort in wet environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible shoe design enhances user comfort and security by conforming to irregular surfaces, offering improved balance and grip, while maintaining durability and resistance to wear and tear, especially in wet environments.

Implementation Method 1

the first over-foot portion and the second over-foot portion are flat-stitched to the outer perimeter edge of the under sole with a stitching material, the stitching material being resiliently expandable and contractable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first over-foot portion attached to the under sole and configured to flexibly overly an instep of a foot of a user forward of an ankle of the user, and a second over-foot portion configured to flexibly wrap around a heel of the user rearward of the ankle of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12096821B2Flexible shoe

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 SNYDER TODD

AI summary

A flexible shoe includes an under sole, a foot bed, a first over-foot portion, and a second over-foot portion. The under sole is formed of ballistic nylon. The foot bed is arranged on an upper surface of the under sole. The first over-foot portion is attached to the under sole and is configured to flexibly overly an instep of a foot of a user forward of an ankle of the user. The second over-foot portion is configured to flexibly wrap around a heel of the user rearward of the ankle of the user and includes a tab extending toward and coupled a heel portion of the under sole. The under sole, the first over-foot portion, and the second over-foot portion define a cavity configured to enclose the foot of the user. The foot bed is positioned entirely within the cavity.