Compressible Heel Counter Structure for Hands-Free Shoe Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear requires manual assistance or the use of a shoehorn to insert the foot due to the heel counter collapsing under the heel, making it difficult to don the shoe easily.
Innovation Solution
A heel cup with a compressible design that distorts under foot load to widen the shoe opening, allowing easier entry and securement, featuring a polymer material with varying thickness and a concave structure that returns to its original shape after foot insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heel counter is made rigid to provide structural support, then the shoe maintains its shape and support, but the shoe opening collapses under the heel making foot insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is designed with a compressible component that dynamically changes its properties based on applied load. During foot insertion, the compressible component yields to the heel load, allowing the shoe opening to remain open. Once the foot is inserted and the load is removed, the component returns to its original rigid state to provide structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible component changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, compressibility) in response to applied stress. Under heel load during insertion, the component becomes more compliant. When the load is removed, it returns to its original rigid state, effectively changing its properties cyclically to meet different functional requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the heel counter is made compressible to ease foot insertion, then the shoe opening remains open during insertion, but the structural support and shape retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible component dynamically adjusts its rigidity based on applied load. During foot insertion, it compresses to maintain the shoe opening. After insertion when the load is removed, it rebounds to its original configuration, restoring the structural support and shape retention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible component is pre-positioned and pre-configured to yield under heel load during the insertion process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the heel is inserted, the component automatically provides the necessary compliance without requiring additional mechanisms or user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If manual assistance or a shoehorn is used to insert the foot, then the shoe can be donned properly, but the process requires additional tools and manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible component automatically performs the function of a shoehorn by yielding to the heel load during insertion. The shoe structure itself provides the assistance needed for foot insertion through the compliant behavior of the compressible component, eliminating the need for external tools or manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible component acts as an intermediary element between the heel and the rigid shoe structure. It mediates the interaction by providing controlled compliance during insertion, allowing the foot to be inserted smoothly without requiring external assistance or complex mechanisms.
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
Enables hands-free and easy foot insertion and securement by utilizing a compressible heel cup that widens the shoe opening under foot pressure, enhancing user convenience and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible component is capable of distorting into a second configuration under a load of a user's foot when the user is donning the footwear and is capable of automatically returning to the first configuration after the user's foot is fully inserted into the footwear
Data Source
AI summary
The shoe includes a sole and a layer of elastic material positioned to stretch and create tension that enhances securement of a foot inserted into the shoe. A polymer heel cup is coupled to the sole and upper and has an S-wave in a vertical cross-section of a rearmost portion. The heel cup has diagonal beams separated by apertures, and the diagonal beams include beams of at least two different widths. A compressible interior foam layer is near a forward-facing surface of the upper portion of the heel cup and extends into the shoe opening, providing securement of the foot once inserted.