Boot Upper Zoning for Ankle Flexion and Lateral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof boots with flexible uppers made from elastomeric materials face challenges in providing comfort during ankle flexion and extension movements while maintaining effective support against lateral movements, such as supination and pronation.
Innovation Solution
The boot features a one-piece upper made from flexible waterproof material with distinct frontal folding zones of reduced stiffness and lateral support zones, designed to cover the ankle, allowing for improved flexibility and reduced pressure points during movement while maintaining resistance to lateral movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upper is made from rigid material to provide ankle support, then lateral movement resistance is improved, but comfort during flexion/extension movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple zones with different stiffness characteristics: rigid lateral zones for support and flexible frontal zones for movement comfort. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different mechanical properties. The lateral zones maintain high stiffness for ankle support, while the frontal zones have reduced stiffness to accommodate flexion/extension movements comfortably.
2Ease of operation
If the upper is made from flexible material to improve movement comfort, then comfort during flexion/extension is improved, but lateral support resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple zones with different stiffness characteristics: rigid lateral zones for support and flexible frontal zones for movement comfort. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different mechanical properties. The lateral zones maintain high stiffness for ankle support, while the frontal zones have reduced stiffness to accommodate flexion/extension movements comfortably.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper is made in one piece from flexible waterproof material, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to provide both flexibility and support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the one-piece upper are assigned different mechanical properties through varying material thickness, composition, or structural design. The lateral zones have higher stiffness while frontal zones have reduced stiffness, all within a single integrated waterproof construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper utilizes composite material structures with varying properties in different zones, combining materials or configurations that provide both flexibility and support within a single waterproof construction.
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
This design enhances user comfort by reducing pressure and force on the ankle during flexion and extension, while effectively limiting lateral movements, thereby improving overall wearing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible waterproof material which comprises at least one layer made of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
the median part of the rod is composed of several zones having different stiffnesses, namely: (i) two distinct frontal folding zones, one anterior and the other posterior respectively extending at least at its anterior and posterior faces, and (ii) two lateral support zones
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4F
Figure 4G~4L
AI summary
The footwear i.e. boot (1), has a sole (2) extended by an upper (3), where the upper is formed as a single piece using a flexible sealing material having a layer of elastomer material e.g. rubber or PVC. A middle part (6) of the upper has lateral maintenance zones (9) separating anterior and posterior frontal folding zones (7, 8). The layer is extended at a level of the folding zones and the maintenance zones. The folding zones have stiffness lower than stiffness of the maintenance zones and lower than stiffness of adjacent portions of bottom and top parts (4, 5) of the upper. An independent claim is also included for a footwear fabricating method.