Combination Sock and Shoe with Elastic Anklet Heel Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art combination shoe and sock designs experience heel lift during walking, causing discomfort due to the rigid shoe sole being less flexible than the sock material, leading to the sock material sliding under the heel.
Innovation Solution
A novel construction comprising a shoe sole, an exterior sock, an intermediate anklet sock with elastic ankle opening, and an interior sock of the same material, where the intermediate sock is sandwiched between the exterior and interior socks, securing the shoe sole to the heel through the elastic ankle engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shoe sole is made rigid for structural support, then the shoe maintains its shape and provides stability, but the heel lifts away from the shoe sole during walking causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sock is divided into multiple layers: an exterior sock layer, an intermediate anklet sock layer with elastic ankle opening, and an interior sock layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform different functions - the exterior layer provides structure, the intermediate layer secures the heel through elastic engagement, and the interior layer provides comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate anklet sock acts as a mediator between the rigid shoe sole and the flexible sock material. Its elastic ankle opening engages around the ankle bone, creating a flexible connection that prevents heel lift while maintaining comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the sock material is made flexible to accommodate foot movement, then comfort is improved, but the sock material slides under the heel causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer sock structure segments the flexible sock material into distinct functional zones. The intermediate anklet layer with its elastic ankle opening provides reliable anchoring around the ankle bone, preventing the flexible sock material from sliding under the heel during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate anklet sock utilizes elastic properties to change its shape dynamically. The elastic ankle opening expands and contracts with foot movement, maintaining secure engagement around the ankle bone while allowing the rest of the sock material to remain flexible and comfortable.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer sock is used for simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the heel lift problem cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
While more complex than a single layer, the three-layer structure is systematically constructed with each layer having a specific function. The exterior sock layer is secured to the shoe sole, the intermediate anklet layer provides heel engagement through elastic properties, and the interior layer provides comfort, creating a reliable solution through organized complexity.
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 elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely holds the shoe sole to the heel, preventing heel lift and discomfort, thus addressing the issues of prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot
Data Source
AI summary
A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.