Branched Braid Footwear Upper Reducing Mass and Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of articles of footwear with multiple material elements increases their mass, manufacturing costs, waste generation, and recyclability challenges, as the number of material elements grows, making it difficult to achieve a balance between performance and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a branched braid member made of tensile strands into the upper and sole structure of footwear, which reduces the number of material elements by using a network of braided strands that provide structural support and adjustability, thereby decreasing the overall mass and waste while enhancing manufacturing efficiency and recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple material elements are used in the upper, then specific properties (breathability, moisture absorption, durability) are provided to different areas, but the overall mass of the footwear increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple material elements into a single integrated upper structure made from textile material. The textile upper integrates functions that were previously provided by separate material elements (breathability, moisture absorption, durability) into one unified component, thereby reducing the overall mass while maintaining the required functional properties through strategic material selection and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The textile upper is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing breathability, moisture absorption, and durability all within a single material element. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized materials for each function, reducing total mass while maintaining performance
2Reliability
If multiple material elements are incorporated into the upper, then specific functional properties are achieved, but the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the material elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate material elements into a single textile upper that can be manufactured as one integrated component. This eliminates the need to transport, stock, cut, and join multiple separate materials, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production time and costs while maintaining all required functional properties
Solution Approach 2:
While using a single textile material, the upper is strategically designed with different zones or regions that provide different functional properties through variations in the textile structure, weave pattern, or material density rather than using completely different materials, simplifying manufacturing
3Reliability
If multiple material elements are used in the upper, then specific functional properties are provided, but waste material from cutting and stitching processes accumulates to a greater degree
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple material elements into a single textile upper, the invention dramatically reduces the amount of material that must be cut and joined during manufacturing. This single-integration approach minimizes cutting waste and eliminates stitching waste between multiple material layers, thereby reducing overall material loss while maintaining functional performance
Data Source
AI summary
A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper.