Floating Textile Layer Shoe Upper for Hot Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe upper reinforcements, such as stitching, can create 'hot spots' that cause discomfort during changes in direction due to concentrated tensile forces, leading to issues with balance and traction.
Innovation Solution
A shoe upper design featuring a floating textile layer with low apparent elongation, which is fixedly coupled only at specific points, allowing it to move relative to an outer layer and distribute tensile forces, reducing hot spots and enhancing durability and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional stitching reinforcements are used in the shoe upper, then strength and durability are improved, but discomfort and hot spots are caused during changes in direction due to concentrated tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is divided into multiple discrete floating textile elements distributed across the upper, rather than using continuous stitching. Each element independently carries tensile loads, segmenting the force distribution across many small points instead of concentrated stitch lines, thereby maintaining strength while eliminating hot spots
Solution Approach 2:
The floating textile elements are strategically positioned in specific high-stress regions of the upper where tensile forces occur during directional changes. This localized placement provides reinforcement exactly where needed without adding unnecessary material or creating discomfort in other areas
2Strength
If floating textile layer is fixedly coupled at multiple points, then strength is improved, but form-fitting properties and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The floating textile elements are selectively anchored at only two points (eyestay and footbed coupling portion) rather than being fully fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust and move with foot deformation. This partial fixation maintains reinforcement strength while preserving the upper's ability to conform to the foot's shape during movement
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 floating textile layer effectively distributes tensile forces, reducing discomfort and enhancing the shoe's ability to maintain balance and traction during changes in direction while providing reinforcing strength and form-fitting properties.
Implementation Method 1
a floating textile layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. The apparent elongation of the floating textile layer may be less than an apparent elongation of the outer layer in response to an equal tensile force applied to each of the floating textile layer and the outer layer along a same axis of orientation
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear, such as a shoe, includes an upper and a sole. The upper may be formed with an outer layer and a floating textile layer relative to one or more portions of the outer layer. The floating textile layer has an apparent elongation that is less than an apparent elongation of the outer layer in response to an equal tensile force applied to each of the floating textile layer and the outer layer along a same axis of orientation. The differential in apparent elongation of the outer layer and the floating textile layer may increase wearability and functionability of the upper.