3D Printed Footwear Fastener Receiving Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional footwear technologies face challenges in securely fastening the lace system, particularly in providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing integration of fastener receiving portions with the upper material, which can be prone to tearing or breaking under stress.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a three-dimensional printer to create extended portions and fastener receiving portions on the upper of footwear, where the fastener receiving portions are printed with a stronger material and attached to the upper using a release layer, allowing for secure lace engagement and improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional stitching or bonding methods are used to attach fastener receiving portions to the upper, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the structural integrity and durability under stress is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter by using a stronger material for the fastener receiving portions compared to the upper material. This strength differential allows the printed portions to withstand stress better while maintaining integration with the upper structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining different materials - a stronger material for the fastener receiving portions and a weaker material for the upper. This composite approach optimizes both strength where needed and overall manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the fastener receiving portions are made from a stronger material, then the durability and stress resistance improve, but the integration and aesthetic appeal with the upper material may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidaesthetic integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a stronger material specifically for the fastener receiving portions rather than uniformly throughout the upper. This localized strength enhancement maintains aesthetic integration while providing necessary durability at critical stress points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If traditional lace fastening systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the lace system is prone to tearing or breaking under stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelace system durabilityVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-forming the fastener receiving portions with apertures during the printing process before lace insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures proper lace engagement and distributes stress more effectively, reducing tearing risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the printed fastener receiving portions with apertures - that mediates between the lace and the upper material. This intermediary distributes loads more effectively and prevents direct stress concentration that would cause tearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the fastener receiving portions are integrated directly into the upper, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the ease of lace insertion and adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelace insertion easeVSAvoidaesthetic integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by creating distinct fastener receiving portions with apertures that are separate from but integrated with the upper material. This segmentation allows for easy lace insertion through the apertures while maintaining aesthetic integration through the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of the footwear by providing a secure lace system that withstands stress and maintains structural integrity, while allowing for dynamic tension adjustment and easy lace insertion.

Implementation Method 1

printing the printable material onto the upper to form an extended portion of the printed structure that is attached to the upper

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D Printing: 3D Printing

Implementation Method 2

printing the printable material onto the upper to form an extended portion of the printed structure that is attached to the upper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3701824B1Article of footwear having printed structures

Publication Date: 2023.01.18 NIKE INNOVATE CV

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AI summary

An article of footwear having printed structures disposed on the article by a three-dimensional printer is disclosed. The printed structures include extended portions and fastener receiving portions. The extended portions are at least partially embedded in the upper. The fastener receiving portions are at least partially spaced apart from an exterior surface of the upper.