Disengageable Heel Shoe Entry via Segmentation and Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional athletic shoes require loosening and tightening of a lacing structure for entry and securing, which can be inconvenient, especially for those who do not desire to use a traditional lacing mechanism or have difficulty with it.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a disengageable-heel portion that can be detached from the upper to create a heel-end opening for entry and the use of stretchable lacing to absorb energy without disengaging the heel portion, allowing for easy entry and secure fitting without traditional lacing adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional lacing structure is used to secure the shoe, then the shoe can be firmly attached to the foot, but the entry and exit of the shoe becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into two main segments: a stationary upper portion and a movable heel portion. The heel portion can be detached from the upper, creating a heel-end opening that allows easy foot insertion without manipulating laces. This segmentation enables the shoe to be entered and exited quickly while the lacing system remains intact for secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel portion is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the upper. It can transition between an engaged state (providing ankle support and secure fit) and a disengaged state (allowing easy shoe entry and exit). This dynamic capability eliminates the need to loosen laces for entry while maintaining secure attachment during wear.
2Ease of operation
If the heel portion is made disengageable to allow easy entry, then shoe entry becomes convenient, but the structural integrity and secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heel portion is pre-equipped with attachment features (such as hooks, loops, or snap fasteners) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the upper when the heel portion is positioned correctly. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable attachment without requiring complex manual adjustment or compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism between the heel portion and upper is designed to be self-securing. Once the heel portion is positioned, the attachment features automatically engage and secure themselves, providing reliable attachment without requiring additional fastening actions from the user. This self-service mechanism maintains structural integrity while enabling easy entry.
3Reliability
If a stretchable lacing material is used to absorb energy, then the shoe can accommodate foot movement without disengaging, but the complexity of the lacing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing material is selected with specific elastic properties (stretch ratio, recovery rate) that allow it to accommodate foot movement and absorb energy during activity. This parameter optimization enables the lacing system to maintain attachment reliability without requiring complex mechanical components, keeping the overall structure simple while providing the needed flexibility and energy absorption.
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 convenient entry and secure fitting of the shoe without the need for traditional lacing, accommodating various user preferences and abilities, such as those who struggle with lacing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a stretchable lacing material may be utilized to allow the shoe to absorb energy exerted on to it by a wearer of the shoe without disengaging the heel portion from the upper
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the construction of a shoe that is comprised of a disengageable-heel portion that may be disengaged from an upper. Disengagement of the heel portion from the upper allows the heel portion to fold away from the upper, which exposes a heel-end opening that a foot may pass through to gain entry to the interior of the shoe. Additionally, a stretchable lacing material may be utilized to allow the shoe to absorb energy exerted on to it by a wearer of the shoe without disengaging the heel portion from the upper.