Customized 3D Shoe Textures via Rapid Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of shoes is labor-intensive and inefficient, often failing to allow consumers to customize shoes according to their personal taste or functional needs, with conventional materials not being optimal for individual requirements.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method using rapid manufacturing techniques to create customized three-dimensional (3-D) textures and functional shoe portions, allowing users to select from various options and apply them to different areas of the shoe using a rapid manufacturing device, such as laser sintering, to produce a shoe with customized appearance and structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional shoe manufacturing methods are used, then production can be completed using traditional processes, but the process is labor-intensive and inefficient with limited customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical shoe manufacturing processes with rapid manufacturing technology, specifically using a rapid manufacturing device to create customized shoe portions and textures. This substitution automates the manufacturing process, improving productivity while reducing labor intensity and eliminating the need for complex manual assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization by allowing users to select from multiple parameters including 3-D surface texture options, 3-D functional portion options, and material composition. These parameter changes are integrated into the manufacturing process through the rapid manufacturing device, which can produce different shoe configurations efficiently without requiring complex manual reconfiguration for each customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional materials and processes are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but customization according to personal taste and functional needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides users with the ability to pre-select customization options including 3-D surface textures, 3-D functional portions, and material compositions before manufacturing. The system stores these selections and automatically configures the rapid manufacturing device according to the user's choices, enabling extensive customization without adding complexity to the actual manufacturing execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid manufacturing device serves multiple functions: it can create different shoe portions, apply various 3-D surface textures, incorporate different materials, and produce customized functional elements all within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality enables diverse customization options while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through automation.
3Productivity
If rapid manufacturing techniques are implemented, then customization and efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to directly select and configure their own shoe customization parameters through a user interface. The rapid manufacturing device then automatically processes these selections without requiring complex manual intervention or configuration. This self-service approach simplifies the user experience while the automated system handles the complexity of coordinating multiple manufacturing parameters.
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 the creation of shoes with tailored aesthetics and functionality, meeting both personal and functional needs through the use of customizable 3-D surface textures and functional portions, enhancing the efficiency of the shoe manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a rapid manufacturing device, such as laser sintering
Implementation Method 2
laser sintering device to manufacture the at least the portion of the first shoe upper configuration comprised of the first 3-D surface texture
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe with a three-dimensional (3-D) surface texture created using rapid manufacturing techniques is provided. A plurality of 3-D surface texture options is presented on a user interface; each of the options is associated with one of a plurality of 3-D surface textures to be applied to a portion of a shoe. A selection of a 3-D surface texture is received and is used in part to generate a design file. The design file is used to instruct a rapid manufacturing device to manufacture the portion of the shoe comprised of the 3-D surface texture using a rapid manufacturing technique.