Expandable Shoe Top Member for Brace Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes are difficult for individuals with muscular weakness, paralysis, or medical conditions requiring braces to put on due to the need for toe flexibility and proper positioning, leading to potential circulation issues and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design with a top section that can fully open from the front, allowing heel-first entry and self-expanding areas to accommodate braces, ensuring natural toe positioning and adjustable sizing for comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional closed shoe with a fixed opening is used, then the shoe structure is simple and stable, but it is difficult for individuals with muscular weakness or paralysis to put on the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The top member is made movable relative to the sole, transitioning between a closed position (normal wear) and an open position (shoe entry). This dynamic structure allows the shoe to adapt to different operational states, enabling easy entry for individuals with limited foot mobility while maintaining a stable closed structure during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe is divided into separable components: the sole and the top member. The top member can be detached or opened relative to the sole, allowing independent movement of the entry portion. This segmentation enables the opening mechanism without requiring complex overall restructuring of the shoe.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shoe opening is made adjustable to accommodate braces, then ease of operation improves, but the shoe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Expandable panels are integrated specifically at strategic locations where braces require additional space, rather than making the entire shoe structure adjustable. This localized expansion provides adaptability for brace accommodation while maintaining structural simplicity in other areas of the shoe.
3Manufacturing precision
If toes-first entry is required, then the shoe fits properly, but individuals with paralyzed feet cannot position their toes correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe entry sequence is inverted from the conventional toes-first approach to a heel-first approach. The open top member allows the heel to be inserted first, with the foot sliding in backward, eliminating the need for toe flexion and positioning while ensuring proper foot placement through the sliding motion.
4Ease of operation
If the shoe is made larger to accommodate braces, then ease of operation improves, but the fit becomes loose and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
Expandable panels are integrated specifically at strategic locations where braces require additional space, rather than making the entire shoe structure adjustable. This localized expansion provides adaptability for brace accommodation while maintaining structural simplicity in other areas of the shoe.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface with an outer edge and a lower surface. There is a top member having a distal front end portion, a proximal heel end portion, a lateral side and a medial side, the top member and sole defining a space therebetween to receive a foot. The top member further has a foot opening, a lower connective edge, a fold back portion, and a fixed portion. A single fastening means is provided in the form of one continuous zipper fastener in the top member. The top member has multiple expandable vent areas formed from a stretchable material in the top member allowing the top member to adjust in size to accommodate foot braces of many sizes and shapes.