Detachable Heel Shoe With Push-Button Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High heel shoes wear down quickly due to pressure on the heel portion, necessitating frequent replacement of the entire shoe rather than just the heel, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A detachable heel system where the heel post is securely fixed to the sole and releasably secured to a detachable heel cladding using a push-button release mechanism, allowing for easy replacement of the heel cladding without affecting the shoe's structural integrity or adding significant weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heel portion is made detachable, then the shoe becomes more versatile and cost-effective, but the device complexity increases due to the attachment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The heel is divided into two separate components: a structural heel post and a detachable heel cladding. This segmentation allows the cladding to be replaced independently based on wear or aesthetic preferences, enhancing shoe versatility without requiring replacement of the entire heel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A push-button release mechanism serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the detachment process. The button activates a spring-loaded system that releases the cladding from the heel post, providing an easy-to-use interface that masks the mechanical complexity of the underlying attachment mechanism.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then the reliability of the heel connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded push button mechanism is designed to be activated by the user's own finger pressure. The spring stores energy during normal wear to maintain a secure connection, and releases this energy when the button is pressed, enabling the user to independently detach the cladding without tools or additional assistance.
3Loss of substance
If the heel cladding is made detachable, then the loss of substance is reduced by replacing only the heel, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface incorporates tapered surfaces that convert small dimensional variations into gradual angular changes. This parameter transformation allows the cladding to self-align and seat properly on the heel post even with minor manufacturing tolerances, reducing the precision requirements while maintaining a secure fit.
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 replace the heel cladding for aesthetic or functional reasons, providing a sturdy and versatile shoe with minimized additional weight and spatial volume, while maintaining design flexibility for different heel sizes and styles.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring attachment mechanism includes a torsion spring having an axial aperture through which the heel post is inserted. The torsion spring cooperates with a push button to open and close the axial aperture to secure and release the heel post.
Implementation Method 2
The ratchet attachment mechanism includes a ratchet pawl that cooperates with a spring loaded push button to move the pawl between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cooperating heel post includes ratchet teeth that mate with the ratchet pawl when the pawl is in the engaged position.
Implementation Method 3
The attachment mechanism includes a button biased towards first position in which the attachment mechanism secures the heel post within the heel cladding. When a force is applied to overcome the bias towards the first position, the button translates approximately perpendicular to the heel post.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe with a detachable heel includes: a heel post; a heel cladding including an aperture shaped to receive the heel post; and an attachment mechanism secured to the heel cladding, the attachment mechanism including seated within the heel cladding wherein the attachment mechanism includes a button biased towards first position in which the attachment mechanism secures the heel post within the heel cladding and when a force is applied to overcome the bias towards the first position the button translates approximately perpendicular to the heel post to place the attachment mechanism in a second position wherein the heel post is released from within the heel cladding.