Boot Opening With Internal Elastic Slit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boots with narrow ankle areas pose difficulties in foot entry and exit, compromising comfort and fit, as widening the opening for ease of entry results in a less snug fit, and existing solutions like zippers and elastics are difficult to hide while maintaining a sleek appearance and can cause injuries.
Innovation Solution
A boot design featuring a hidden internal elastic material placed between the exterior shell and interior lining, with a slit positioned at the inside ankle bone area, allowing for temporary expansion to facilitate foot entry and exit without additional mechanical devices, maintaining a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the boot opening is widened to allow ease of entry, then foot entry and exit become easier, but the boot no longer fits snugly when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two functional zones: a narrow ankle area for snug fit and a widened opening area for easy entry. The opening is segmented from the main boot body, allowing it to be larger without compromising the overall snug fit of the boot when worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening area is given different local quality (wider dimension) compared to the rest of the boot body. This localized widening at the opening allows easy foot entry while the remainder of the boot maintains its narrow, snug-fitting dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If connecting devices like zippers or elastics are added to facilitate foot entry, then ease of operation improves, but the sleek appearance is compromised and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material is extracted and placed inside the boot, between the outer shell and inner lining, removing it from the external surface. This internal placement eliminates the need for external zippers or elastics, maintaining a sleek appearance while still providing the elastic expansion function for easy entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material is nested within the boot structure, positioned between the outer shell and inner lining. This nested configuration allows the elastic to function internally without being visible or protruding from the boot's exterior, preserving the sleek appearance.
3Shape
If the boot is made longer and narrower for stylishness and fit, then aesthetic appearance improves, but foot entry and exit become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure is segmented into a narrow, stylish body and a separate, widened opening section. This segmentation allows the boot to maintain its long, narrow aesthetic form while having an enlarged opening for easier foot entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening area is given different local quality (wider dimension) compared to the rest of the boot body. This localized change allows the boot to maintain its overall long and narrow stylish shape while providing ease of entry through the widened opening.
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 boot provides enhanced comfort and a secure fit by allowing flexible foot entry and exit without protruding closure devices, maintaining a sleek appearance and reducing the risk of injury from external fastenings.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic material has characteristics of stretchability, so as to facilitate a person's ability to slip on or off the boot or bootie.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic material also has characteristics of revertability, so as to facilitate the boot or bootie's return to a closed state and a snug fit.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
In the preferred embodiment, a partial length slit is introduced in the inwardly facing wall of a boot in both the exterior and corresponding interior portions of the boot. Included in the midst of the slit, between the exterior and corresponding interior portions, is a piece of elastomeric fabric which preferably is stitched in.