Embedded Strap Anchor for Lightweight Shoe Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lightweight shoes made entirely of lightweight materials are limited in design and unable to withstand the stresses of using straps or laces, as they cannot distribute the tightening forces effectively without imposing significant stress on the shoe's structure.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multi-component strap anchor system within the shoe's sole, featuring a stronger and more durable material for the strap anchor components, which are embedded within the sole and provide attachment points for straps, allowing for secure tightening without stressing the shoe's main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used throughout the shoe construction, then the shoe weight is reduced, but the shoe cannot withstand the stresses of straps or laces
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into two distinct material zones: lightweight material for the upper and non-skid material for the sole. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the upper remains lightweight while the sole provides the necessary strength and grip for strap attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different parts of the shoe. The upper portion uses lightweight material for comfort and weight reduction, while the sole uses non-skid material with higher strength and friction properties to withstand strap stresses and provide grip.
2Reliability
If straps are added to lightweight shoes, then the shoe can be secured to the foot, but the tightening forces stress the shoe structure
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe combines lightweight upper material with non-skid sole material to create a composite structure. The non-skid material in the sole acts as a reinforcement that can withstand the high forces from strap tightening without compromising the overall lightweight design of the shoe.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are, among other things, shoes and shoe components, together with systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing the same. One representative embodiment involves a shoe that includes: a sole having a main structure; a strap anchor that has attachment points and is at least partially embedded within the main structure; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through one or more of such attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the strap anchor includes a number of strap anchor components attached in a unit, each such strap anchor component including a number of the attachment points and being at least partially embedded within the main structure.