Digital Last Axis Modification for Custom Foot Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe manufacturing methods rely on average foot sizes and shapes, failing to account for individual foot properties, leading to poorly fitting shoes due to increased complexity and cost, despite existing approaches for customization.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a digital last that modifies a predefined digital last based on individual foot data through translation and rotation of axes, allowing for precise adaptation to fit specific foot shapes and preferences, potentially eliminating the need for physical lasts and enabling cost-efficient, well-fitting shoe production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard lasts based on average foot sizes and shapes are used for mass production, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but the fit and comfort for individual feet deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the last (digital last) that can be easily modified and reproduced. Instead of physically adapting individual lasts, the system uses digital modeling to capture foot properties and generate customized digital lasts through software, eliminating the need for complex physical last modification while maintaining individualized fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies last parameters (such as length, width, curvature, and other geometric properties) based on measured foot data. By changing these digital parameters according to individual foot characteristics, the system achieves customized fit without increasing manufacturing complexity, as all modifications are performed through software rather than physical craftsmanship.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized lasts are created for each individual foot, then fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical process of last creation and modification with a digital system. Instead of physically measuring and crafting individual lasts, the system uses optical or mechanical scanners to capture foot geometry, then processes this data through software to generate digital lasts. This substitution of mechanical craftsmanship with digital technology dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity while enabling full customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary digital modeling and parameter adjustment before any physical shoe production. By pre-calculating and storing optimized last parameters in a database, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during manufacturing. The digital last is prepared in advance with all individualized modifications, streamlining the subsequent production process.
3Manufacturing precision
If digital last modification through translation and rotation of axes is performed, then precision of fit is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the digital last modification process into distinct geometric operations: translation of the longitudinal axis, rotation of the longitudinal axis, translation of the transverse axis, and rotation of the transverse axis. By segmenting the complex modification task into these manageable mathematical operations, the system achieves high precision fit while keeping computational complexity tractable through standardized geometric transformations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and corresponding apparatus is disclosed for generating a digital last for the manufacture of a shoe for a person. The method comprises obtaining a predefined digital last, the predefined digital last comprising an axis relating to the shape of the last; obtaining data of a foot of the person; and modifying the obtained predefined digital last based on the obtained data, wherein modifying comprises at least one of translation and rotation of the axis.