Elastic Tongue Structure for Easier Shoe Entry and Stable Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes require frequent release and reattachment of the tongue to prevent it from slipping into the shoe interior, making the shoe-wearing process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring an elastic member with an upwardly convex shape embedded in the tongue, connected to wing portions or the upper, which secures the tongue in place when not in use and allows it to move towards the insole upon pressure, returning to its original position when released, with varying thickness to enhance ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tongue is completely detached from the notch at the front of the upper to prevent slipping into the shoe interior, then the tongue can be securely held in place, but the shoe-wearing process becomes troublesome as the tongue must be released every time the shoes are put on
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue is designed with elastic properties allowing it to dynamically change position: detached and flexible during shoe insertion, then secured to the upper surface when fastened. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue is pre-attached to the upper surface at its rear end, so that when the shoe is fastened, the tongue automatically secures itself without requiring manual release or reattachment operations.
2Reliability
If the tongue is securely attached to the upper surface to prevent slipping, then the tongue remains in place, but the tongue cannot be easily released when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tongue can be easily detached from the upper surface when the shoe is unfastened, providing ease of release while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tongue is made rigid to maintain its shape and prevent deformation, then the tongue structure is stable, but the tongue becomes difficult to insert and adjust during shoe-wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue's elasticity parameter is optimized to provide sufficient flexibility for insertion and adjustment, while its attachment to the upper surface provides the necessary structural stability to maintain shape during use.
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 elastic member maintains the tongue's shape and position, preventing it from slipping during use and simplifying the shoe-putting process, while ensuring comfort and ease of entry, especially for the heel.
Implementation Method 1
the tongue includes an elastic member having an upwardly convex shape... the strength of an elastic force of the elastic member embedded in the tongue is such that when the tongue is pressed toward an insole of the shoe, the tongue moves toward the insole of the shoe, and when a pressing action is released, the tongue returns to its original position due to the elastic member
Data Source
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AI summary
A shoe S includes a sole 1 and an upper 2 formed with an opening 2A for inserting a foot of a user and positioned above the sole 1; and further includes a pair of wing portions 3, 3 defining a portion of an outer periphery of the opening 2A, a tongue 4 enclosing a portion of a region between the pair of wing portions 3, 3, and an elastic member 5 having an upwardly convex shape embedded in the tongue 4.