Customizable Shoe Last with Selectively Solidifiable Moldable Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of footwear fabrication and storage due to the need for multiple solid lasts of varying sizes and shapes, along with the limitations of existing alternatives such as spreadable lasts that are not suitable for injection molding processes.
Innovation Solution
A customizable last with a solid portion and an adjustable portion containing a moldable material that can be selectively solidified and adjusted using interchangeable mold covers and backpressure, allowing for customization of arch and heel geometries based on individual foot shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple solid lasts of varying sizes and shapes are used for different foot geometries, then customization precision for different foot shapes is improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal last form that can be adjusted to accommodate multiple foot geometries through interchangeable arch and heel components. Instead of requiring separate lasts for each foot shape, a single last structure serves multiple functions by accepting different component configurations, thereby reducing the total number of lasts needed while maintaining customization precision
Solution Approach 2:
The last is divided into distinct segments including the arch portion and heel portion that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows specific components to be swapped out based on the required foot geometry without replacing the entire last, reducing complexity while preserving the ability to achieve precise customization for different foot shapes
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple solid lasts of varying sizes and shapes are used for different foot geometries, then customization precision for different foot shapes is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal last structure can store multiple arch and heel components, enabling one last to replace what would traditionally require multiple complete lasts. This multi-functionality significantly reduces the storage volume needed while maintaining the ability to achieve precise customization for various foot geometries through component interchangeability
3Device complexity
If spreadable lasts are used to reduce number of components, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability for injection molding processes decreases due to gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The last components are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed or spreadable. The interchangeable arch and heel portions allow the last to be configured for different foot geometries while maintaining a solid, gap-free structure during injection molding processes, thus preserving reliability while reducing complexity through adjustability
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
This solution reduces the number of components and storage space required, enables precise customization for different foot geometries, and allows for efficient use in injection molding processes without material entering gaps, providing tailored arch and heel support.
Implementation Method 1
A moldable material that is selectively solidifiable for footwear manufacture is arranged within the adjustable portion
Implementation Method 2
A component of the customizable last allows application of backpressure to the moldable material in order to enable forming the moldable material to the interchangeable mold cover
Data Source
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AI summary
An example customizable shoe last includes a solid portion and an adjustable portion. The adjustable portion includes a moldable material that is selectively solidifiable for footwear manufacture. The customizable shoe last also includes an interchangeable mold cover to enclose the adjustable portion.