Convertible Heel Shoe with Rotating Stiletto Assembly
Solution Overview
Problem
Women face discomfort and the need to carry multiple shoes due to the lack of a convenient and fashionable solution for high heels that can adjust to different heights without requiring adjustments to clothing.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a convertible heel with a stow cavity and two heel assemblies that can rotate and lock into place, providing a larger contact surface area and allowing for easy transition between heel heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stiletto heel is used, then fashionability and confidence are improved, but comfort deteriorates due to decreased surface area supporting weight
Solution Approach 1:
The heel assembly is designed to be dynamically convertible between stiletto and block heel configurations. The second heel assembly can rotate from a stowed position to a deployed position, allowing the shoe to adapt its heel type based on the occasion or comfort needs, thus resolving the contradiction between fashionability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The second heel assembly is nested within the shoe structure, specifically stored in a cavity formed in the sole. This nesting allows the shoe to carry an alternative heel configuration without adding external bulk, enabling the wearer to switch between heel types while maintaining a compact design.
2Ease of operation
If a block heel is used, then comfort is improved by larger surface area, but fashionability deteriorates for evening occasions
Solution Approach 1:
The convertible heel assembly allows dynamic switching between block heel (for comfort) and stiletto heel (for fashionability). The second heel assembly rotates to deploy the stiletto configuration when needed, enabling the shoe to adapt to different fashion requirements while maintaining comfort as the default state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable heels are provided, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need to carry extra heels
Solution Approach 1:
The second heel assembly is nested within the shoe's sole structure, eliminating the need to carry separate heel replacements. The compact nested design integrates the alternative heel configuration directly into the shoe, reducing portability complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple heel configurations into a single shoe structure. The first heel assembly (block heel) and second heel assembly (stiletto heel) are combined in one integrated unit, allowing the wearer to access both heel types from a single shoe rather than carrying multiple separate shoes or heel replacements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If heel height is changed, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need to adjust garment hem
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes only the local quality of the heel structure while maintaining the overall shoe silhouette and heel height. Both the block heel and stiletto heel configurations are designed to provide similar height, allowing the wearer to switch heel types without needing to adjust garment hem, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe is provided that includes a sole having a stow cavity, a first heel assembly and a second heel assembly that can transfer from a stowed position in the stow cavity to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the second heel is below a heel portion of the sole such that the contact surface of the second heel assembly is positioned to contact the ground when worn, such that the shoe has a greater contact surface area with the second heel assembly in the deployed position.