Dual Zipper Boot Construction for Calf Shape Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boot constructions fail to adapt to varying user calf shapes and sizes, leading to discomfort, chafing, and premature degradation of elastomeric materials, while also limiting style options and adaptability to different materials like leather or woven cloth.
Innovation Solution
A dual zipper boot construction system featuring a full-length zipper for easy entry and a mid-length zipper for adjustable comfort fit, with optional elastomeric bridges to maintain style and extend material durability, allowing adaptation to diverse calf shapes and sizes without stressing the boot stitching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional elastomeric calf region construction is used, then the boot can be easily manufactured with a standardized fit, but the elastomeric fibers degrade after short use and no longer provide the same elastic coefficient, and the construction does not adapt to varying user calf shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The calf region is divided into multiple segments with different elastic coefficients. The construction includes a first calf region with a first elastic coefficient and a second calf region with a second elastic coefficient, where the elastic coefficients differ between regions and between sides. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the calf region are assigned different local properties through the use of elastomeric material with varying elastic coefficients. The first and second calf regions have distinct elastic characteristics tailored to their specific anatomical locations, providing localized adaptation to user calf shapes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized calf region construction is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the construction leaves out members with particularly large, narrow, or distending calf-shapes and does not adapt to natural non-elastomeric materials
Solution Approach 1:
The calf region is segmented into multiple zones with different elastic properties, allowing the boot to adapt to various calf shapes and sizes while maintaining a standardized construction approach. This segmentation enables the boot to accommodate diverse anatomical variations without requiring custom manufacturing for each user type.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic coefficient parameter is varied across different calf regions to create adaptability. By changing the elastic coefficient from the first calf region to the second calf region, the boot can accommodate different calf shapes and materials while maintaining ease of manufacture through a systematic parameter variation approach.
3Device complexity
If a single horizontal band of tension is used at the top of the boot calf-extension, then the construction is simple, but it does not provide adequate comfort fit for varying user-calf shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system is segmented into multiple regions with different elastic coefficients rather than using a single uniform tab. This segmentation allows each region to provide appropriate tension for its specific location, enhancing comfort fit for varying calf shapes while maintaining reasonable construction simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the calf extension are assigned different elastic properties to provide localized comfort fit. The first and second calf regions have distinct elastic coefficients tailored to their specific anatomical locations, allowing the simple tab construction to adapt to varying user-calf shapes and sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual zipper boot construction provides an enhanced comfort-fit for a user and a ready adaptation of the boot to a variety different calf shapes without stressing the boot stitching. A first full-length zipper allows the users to easily slide the boot on while a second mid-length zipper is in an open condition thereby providing additional space. Securing the first full-length zipper secures the boot in position. After the boot is secured in position, the user zips the second mid-length zipper to an optimal comfort-fit position on their calf. Optional elastomeric bridges between the zipper edges of the mid-length zipper allow the boot to accommodate partially zipped uses without disclosing the user's calf and while providing an enhanced style appearance.