Conductive Overshoe for Static Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods of electrostatic charge dissipation are inadequate for rapid manufacturing environments, often being expensive and unreliable, and can be detrimental to sensitive processes due to incomplete discharge of static electricity.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic discharging overshoe with a conductive flexible skeleton and oversized heel and toe regions, designed to be worn over existing footwear, facilitates the safe dissipation of static electricity to a grounded surface, providing ESD protection, comfort, and slip-resistance through conductive materials like nitrile rubber and carbon-based composites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrostatic charge dissipation methods are used, then electrostatic charges can be discharged, but the cost is high and reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic charge dissipation reliabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable or replaceable conductive overshoes as a low-cost alternative to expensive traditional ESD systems. The overshoes can be easily replaced when needed, providing reliable electrostatic discharge protection without the high infrastructure costs of traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from expensive fixed infrastructure to flexible wearable protection. By using conductive materials in overshoe form factors, the system achieves reliable ESD protection through material property selection rather than expensive equipment deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional electrostatic charge dissipation methods are used, then charges can be discharged, but the discharge may be incomplete and detrimental to sensitive processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic charge dissipation completenessVSAvoiddamage to sensitive processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical ESD systems with simple conductive material-based overshoes. The conductive materials provide continuous charge dissipation paths that are more reliable and complete than traditional methods, preventing harmful static discharge to sensitive processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If dedicated footwear for ESD protection is used, then ESD protection is provided, but the wearer must own and wear separate footwear for different functions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidfootwear management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes regular footwear multi-functional by adding conductive overshoes that provide ESD protection, comfort, and slip-resistance simultaneously. The overshoes can be worn over various types of footwear, eliminating the need for dedicated ESD shoes and simplifying footwear management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions (ESD protection, comfort, slip-resistance) into a single wearable overshoe component that can be used with existing footwear, merging previously separate requirements into one integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If rigid conductive materials are used for ESD protection, then electrostatic discharge is effective, but comfort and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic discharge effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials that combine conductive properties with flexibility and comfort characteristics. The conductive overshoes are made from materials that maintain ESD effectiveness while providing the flexibility and comfort needed for extended wear during manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 overshoe effectively reduces electrostatic discharge buildup, ensuring safety and preventing damage to sensitive processes while offering comfort and traction, suitable for a wide range of footwear sizes and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

may increase friction between the wearer's footwear and a floor or other surface for walking or standing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8189318B2Electrostatic discharging overshoe

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 IMPLUS FOOTCARE LLC

AI summary

An electrostatic discharging, detachable, overshoe, includes an electrically conductive flexible skeleton with oversized heel and toe regions for placing over footwear, and a conductive element situated to facilitate conducting static electricity between a body of a wearer of the footwear and the overshoe. The overshoe can be worn over a wide variety of street, work, office, and specialty footwear and may support reduction of electro-static discharge buildup on the body of the wearer by safely conducting any electrical charge generated or transferred to the body of the wearer to a grounded surface such as an electrically conductive floor.