Footwear Upper Braided Structure with Bonded Overlay System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear technologies face challenges in providing a balance between comfort, support, and durability, particularly in athletic shoes, where the upper material often struggles with stretch resistance and structural integrity, especially at high-stress areas like the heel and toe regions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a braided structure with overlay portions, where the overlay system is bonded to both the first and second braided structures, enhancing stretch resistance and structural integrity by distributing tension and preventing unraveling, while also providing targeted support and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper uses a braided structure, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but stretch resistance and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a braided structure with an overlay system to create a hybrid upper construction. The overlay system is bonded to the braided structure at multiple locations, merging the flexibility of the braided material with the structural support of the overlay, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The upper is constructed as a composite structure featuring a braided structure combined with an overlay system. This composite construction integrates two different material systems - the braided structure providing flexibility and comfort, while the overlay system contributes stretch resistance and structural strength, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Ease of operation
If the upper uses a braided structure, then comfort is improved, but stretch resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a braided structure known for comfort with an overlay system that provides stretch resistance. The overlay system is bonded to the braided structure, creating a combined structure that delivers both comfort from the braided material and stretch resistance from the overlay, resolving the contradiction between these two properties
3Ease of operation
If the upper uses a braided structure, then flexibility is improved, but durability at high-stress areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay system is strategically positioned and bonded to the braided structure at high-stress areas such as the heel and toe regions. This local reinforcement approach maintains the overall flexibility of the braided upper while providing enhanced durability specifically where needed, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and durability at stress points
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
This configuration results in improved comfort, support, and durability by maintaining the braided structure's flexibility while enhancing stretch resistance and structural integrity, particularly at high-stress areas, thus providing a more secure fit and enhanced performance during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
The overlay system is bonded to the first braided structure and the overlay system is bonded to the second braided structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of making an article of footwear and a resulting article of footwear are described. An article of footwear includes an upper with a first braided structure, a second braided structure, and an overlay system. The overlay system is bonded to the first braided structure and the overlay system is bonded to the second braided structure. The overlay system may be more resistant to stretching than the first braided structure and the overlay system may be more resistant to stretching than the second braided structure.