Flexible Membrane Insole Molding Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for molding shoe inserts require assistance and uneven weight distribution, making it difficult to ensure secure footing and even molding, especially when standing, due to the unstable gel layer in the foot-receiving area.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexurally elastic membrane connected to a contact surface via a foot contact point fixation, featuring a filling area for fluid to mold the shoe insert, allowing molding without assistance and even pressure distribution, along with an alignment aid and optional slide for precise positioning and preventing toe area shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a gel layer is used to form the foot-supporting area, then the insole can be molded to the foot shape, but the gel layer becomes unstable and requires assistance during the molding process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unstable gel layer with a flexible membrane that can be filled with fluid. The membrane maintains the foot-supporting area shape while providing stability through fluid filling. The flexible membrane conformably adapts to the foot shape when filled, eliminating the instability issue of the gel layer while maintaining the necessary formability.
2Shape
If weight force is applied to mold the insole, then the insole can be shaped to the foot, but the force cannot be distributed evenly across the entire foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic) filling in the membrane to apply molding pressure. The fluid distributes pressure evenly across the entire foot surface when the membrane is inflated, eliminating the uneven pressure distribution problem of direct weight application. The fluid pressure conforms to the foot shape while maintaining uniform force distribution.
3Stress or pressure
If the flexible membrane is filled with fluid for molding, then even pressure can be applied, but the membrane may lift at the foot contact point causing positioning issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a counterbalancing effect at the foot contact point. The membrane is designed with specific attachment or anchoring at the heel area (foot contact point) that prevents lifting while allowing fluid filling for even pressure distribution. This preliminary constraint counteracts the potential lifting force before it can cause positioning errors.
4Shape
If assistance is required during molding, then the gel layer can be pressed against the foot, but the user cannot maintain a secure stance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the user to perform the molding action themselves through simple fluid filling. The system requires no external assistance - the user fills the membrane with fluid through a valve, and the system automatically applies even pressure to mold the insole. This eliminates the need for assistant support while maintaining user stability, as the process can be completed independently.
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
Enables secure, independent molding of shoe inserts whether standing or sitting, with regulated fitting pressure and defined contact areas, ensuring reliable positioning and faster cooling of thermoformable inserts for earlier dimensional stability.
Implementation Method 1
A filling area 8 for a fluid to mold the shoe insole 5 to the foot 9 of a user is provided between the membrane 4 and the contact surface 7
Implementation Method 2
a flexible membrane 4 for supporting a shoe insole 5... the shoe insole is molded to the foot by filling the filling area with a fluid via the membrane
Implementation Method 3
an alignment aid 10 with a flexible edge 11... the membrane for shaping the shoe insole lifts away from the alignment aid and conforms to the user's foot shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A description is given of an apparatus for moulding insoles (5) to a foot (9), having a moulded pad (3) which is arranged on a support (1) and forms a foot-accommodating region (2). In order for an apparatus of the type described above to be configured such that insoles (5) can be moulded without assistance and irrespective of the user's standing or sitting position, it is proposed that the moulded pad (3) should have a flexible membrane (4) for bearing the insole (5), said membrane being connected to a bearing surface (7) of the support (1) via a foot-bearing-point fixing means (6), and that a filling region (8) for a fluid for moulding the insole (5) to the foot (9) should be provided between the membrane (4) and the bearing surface (7).