Coated Shoe Upper with Multi-Sheet Structure for Regional Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoe uppers made from a single material face challenges in balancing the different requirements for various regions, such as weight, support, and ball control, leading to compromises that affect performance and waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
A composite shoe upper structure comprising two sheets made from different materials and thicknesses, connected by a coating applied to contiguous regions, providing a smooth, waterproof, and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single material is used for the entire shoe upper, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but different regions cannot satisfy different requirements for weight, support, and ball control
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe upper is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different material properties. The first sheet provides ball control in the toe region, the second sheet provides support in the heel region, and they are connected through a connecting region, allowing each segment to optimize for its specific functional requirement
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shoe upper are assigned different material characteristics: the first region (toe) uses thinner material for ball control, the second region (heel) uses thicker material for support, and the connecting region provides structural transition. This local differentiation allows each area to have optimal properties for its specific function
2Strength
If thicker material is used in the heel region for support, then support is improved, but weight of the upper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second sheet uses thicker material specifically in the heel region where support is needed, while the first sheet in the toe region uses thinner material for ball control. This localized thickness variation provides heel support without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the entire upper
3Stability of the object's composition
If regions are sewn together, then connection is achieved, but the connecting region creates an uneven surface that complicates ball control and provides water entry paths
Solution Approach 1:
The first sheet and second sheet are joined through a connecting region that is integrally formed with both sheets, eliminating the need for separate stitching or attachment. This merging of components creates a seamless connection that maintains surface smoothness for ball control while providing structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting region, which could be seen as a potential weakness for water entry, is instead designed to extend the waterproof coating continuously across all three regions. This converts the potential harm of a connection point into a benefit by demonstrating that the coating system can effectively seal complex multi-region structures
4Reliability
If a coating is applied to cover the connecting region, then waterproofness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproofing across all regions, creates a smooth continuous surface for ball control, and structurally connects the first and second sheets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manufacturing steps while achieving multiple objectives
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a shoe upper, including (a) a first sheet, (b) a second sheet, (c) a connecting region in which the first sheet is connected to the second sheet, and (d) a first coating. The first coating is applied onto a first region of the first sheet, a second region of the second sheet, and a third region of the connecting region. The first region, the second region, and the third region are connected.