Convertible High Heel Shoe with Foldable Heel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high heel shoes are uncomfortable for extended wear and lack the option to convert to a flat configuration, limiting versatility and comfort during commuting or other activities.

Innovation Solution

A convertible shoe design featuring a high heel piece that is hingeably connected to a heel section via a mechanism, allowing it to fold into the sole to create a flat shoe, with various locking and release mechanisms for easy conversion between configurations, including a twist release mechanism, pull release mechanism, and linkage systems for stability and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a high heel piece is hingeably connected to the heel section to allow folding into the sole, then the shoe becomes convertible between high heel and flat configurations, but the device complexity increases due to additional hinge and locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertibility between high heel and flat configurationsVSAvoidhinge and locking mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heel structure is divided into a stationary heel section and a movable high heel piece that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the high heel piece to fold into the sole while the heel section remains fixed, enabling conversion between configurations without compromising the stability of the base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The high heel piece is designed with hingeable connections that allow it to transition between fixed (upright) and retracted (folded into sole) positions. This dynamic capability enables the shoe to adapt between high heel and flat configurations, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If locking and release mechanisms are incorporated for easy conversion, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion between configurationsVSAvoidlocking and release mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the high heel piece is positioned in the desired configuration, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The mechanism self-activates based on the position of the high heel piece, providing ease of operation without requiring complex user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking and release mechanisms are positioned asymmetrically within the heel structure, with the locking function integrated into the hinge mechanism itself rather than requiring separate symmetric components. This asymmetric integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the high heel piece is designed to fold into the sole, then the adaptability improves, but the shape and structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflat shoe configuration capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe structure is segmented into the sole, heel section, and high heel piece, with each component optimized for its specific function. The heel section maintains structural stability when the high heel piece is folded into the sole, while the high heel piece provides elevation when upright. This segmentation allows the shoe to maintain proper shape and stability in both configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connection allows the high heel piece to dynamically adjust between upright and folded positions while maintaining proper alignment with the heel section. This dynamic capability ensures that the shoe maintains its structural integrity and proper shape regardless of the high heel piece's position, preventing deformation or instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 users to comfortably switch between high heel and flat configurations, providing both styles in one shoe, enhancing versatility and comfort by distributing weight load and maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

a high heel piece (110) that is hingeably connected to a heel section (120)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

various locking and release mechanisms for easy conversion between configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3941296B1Convertible high heel and flat shoe

Publication Date: 2023.09.20 VICEVERSA LAB INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D

AI summary

A convertible high heel and flat shoe, comprising a sole including a heel section; and a high heel piece positionable between a high heel mode where the high heel piece supports the heel section and a flat shoe mode where the high heel piece is received within the sole.