Hidden Seam Method for Footwear Edge Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mutually blocking edges of items, such as footwear, clothing, and furniture, often result in seams that are either not durable under compression or liquid exposure, or require specialized personnel and do not achieve optimal aesthetic and functional characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving frontal longitudinal cutting of edges to create flaps, which are then sewn and glued together to form a hidden seam, providing stability and protection from liquids, while allowing for easy execution by non-specialized personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If edges are bound by binding strips folded in U-shape and sewn together, then connection durability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex binding strip structure entirely and replaces it with a direct seam formed by bringing edges together and sewing them. This extraction of the intermediate binding element simplifies the overall construction while maintaining connection durability through the seam itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using binding strips to hold edges together for sewing, the patent inverts the approach by sewing the edges directly together first, then using adhesive to reinforce and seal the seam from the outside. This reversal eliminates the need for complex binding structures.
2Strength
If seams are exposed for structural integrity, then connection strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the functional seam structure within an aesthetic covering layer. The adhesive layer and seam are embedded within or beneath the visible surface material, allowing the seam to provide structural strength while the outer layer provides aesthetic appearance. This nested arrangement resolves the conflict between exposed seams and visual appeal.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied extensively to ensure liquid-tight sealing, then liquid resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive selectively at specific locations where liquid sealing is most critical - primarily at the seam line and high-stress areas - rather than extensively across entire surfaces. This localized application strategy achieves liquid-tight sealing while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and adhesive material usage.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are used to achieve optimal characteristics, then functional and aesthetic quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into fewer integrated steps: the seam formation simultaneously provides structural connection, the adhesive layer simultaneously seals against liquids and reinforces the seam, and the overall process is designed to be executable by standard equipment rather than requiring highly specialized operations. This consolidation maintains quality while improving ease of operation.
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 method ensures durable, liquid-tight connections with aesthetically pleasing results, preventing water penetration and reducing the risk of seam damage, while being accessible to those without specialized training.
Implementation Method 1
a substance having adhesive properties is applied to at least one of the internal surfaces of the flaps
Implementation Method 2
the sewing needle of the sewing machine is perpendicularly pierced to the erected edges and sutured
Data Source
Figure 1~5A
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A method for mutually blocking edges of elements of an item, in particular footwear, clothing and/or furniture items, comprising: frontal longitudinal cutting of edges (B1, B2) of a first and a second element (1, 2) of an item, to define respectively a first and a second flap (10 - 20, 11 - 21) in each of the edges (B1, B2); bringing together outer surfaces of the first flaps (10, 20) of the first and second element (1, 2); mutual blocking of the first flaps (10, 20) of the first and second element (1, 2); bringing together opposite inner surfaces of the first and second flaps (10 - 20, 11 - 21) such as to obtain a mutual blocking of the surfaces and a subsequent embedding of the first flaps (10, 20) between the second flaps (11, 21).