Dual-Molded Overshoe With Differential Durometer Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear often lacks adequate traction on slippery or icy surfaces, leading to risks of falls and damage to cleats due to their protruding nature.
Innovation Solution
A dual-molded layer overshoe with a cleat secured between a sole layer and an upper layer, where the upper layer has a lower durometer measurement than the sole layer, providing elasticity for easy installation and removal while the sole layer offers durability and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protruding cleats are used to provide traction, then traction is improved, but the cleats become vulnerable to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from protruding cleats (extending outward from the sole) to recessed cleats (embedded within the sole layer). This dimensional change from external protrusion to internal recession protects the cleats from wear and damage while maintaining their traction function through the bottom surface of the overshoe.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole layer material surrounds and cushions the cleats before they come into contact with the ground surface. This protective enclosure prevents the cleats from suffering wear and damage during installation, removal, and normal use, addressing the vulnerability issue proactively.
2Strength
If a single hard layer is used for the sole, then durability is improved, but flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The overshoe sole is segmented into two distinct layers: an upper layer with significant elasticity for flexibility and ease of installation, and a sole layer with reduced elasticity for durability and abrasion resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the overshoe structure are assigned different material properties: the upper layer near the opening has high elasticity to facilitate installation and removal, while the sole layer in contact with the ground has reduced elasticity for durability. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.
3Reliability
If cleats are securely embedded in the sole, then traction is maintained, but the sole layer becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleats are molded as an integrated part of the sole layer in a contiguous fixed arrangement, merging the cleat attachment function into the sole layer itself. This eliminates the need for separate attachment mechanisms while ensuring secure cleat retention through the molding process.
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
The solution provides enhanced traction, improved flexibility in cold weather, and increased durability of cleats, reducing the risk of detachment and wear, thus enhancing safety and convenience on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the upper layer has a lower durometer measurement than the sole layer, and wherein the cleat is secured between the sole layer and the upper layer. Significant elasticity in the upper layer allows stretching for installation and removal.
Implementation Method 2
Reduced elasticity in the sole layer offers greater durability in terms of spike retention and abrasion resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein includes a dual-molded layer overshoe apparatus comprising a cleat, a sole layer configured to receive the cleat, and an upper layer, wherein the upper is molded to the sole layer and the upper layer has a lower durometer than the sole layer, and wherein the plurality of pin plates are secured between the sole layer and the upper layer. Significant elasticity in the upper layer allows stretch for installation and removal. Reduced elasticity in the sole layer offers greater durability in terms of spike retention and abrasion resistance. In one implementation, the components are assembled in one contiguous, fixed arrangement, wherein the cleat is molded into the sole layer, and the upper layer is then molded to the sole layer.