Footwear Interior Measuring Tool With Crystallizing Molded Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the fit and comfort of footwear are complex, costly, and do not adequately consider the textile-physical properties of materials, making it difficult for customers to find optimally fitting shoes, especially in online retail, where they cannot assess fit by trying them on.
Innovation Solution
A measuring tool and method using a plastically deformable molded body that transitions to a non-deformable state through a crystallization process, adapting to body temperature, allowing easy and accurate measurement of footwear interiors by inserting, transforming, and regenerating the tool for multiple uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex measurement methods are used to accurately determine footwear fit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of sodium acetate trihydrate from liquid to solid state through crystallization triggered by a magnet. This phase change allows the measuring tool to transform from a flexible, insertable state to a rigid, measurement-taking state, enabling accurate 3D capture of footwear interior geometry without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the measuring medium from liquid to solid through controlled crystallization. This parameter change enables the tool to adapt to different footwear shapes during insertion, then maintain structural integrity for precise measurement, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement precision may be adequate, but ease of operation deteriorates due to technical expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tool automatically takes the shape of the footwear interior through the self-crystallizing property of the sodium acetate solution when triggered by the magnet. The user simply needs to insert the tool and activate the magnet, while the material autonomously adapts to the measurement space, eliminating the need for technical expertise in operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a chemical-physical process (crystallization). Instead of requiring manual adjustment of rigid components, the measuring medium dynamically adapts its shape through phase transition, simplifying the user interface to merely activation and measurement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement tools are used to cover different footwear sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tool is designed with universal applicability through its liquid-to-solid transforming medium that can adapt to any footwear interior shape and size. A single tool design serves all footwear sizes by allowing the sodium acetate solution to crystallize into the specific geometry required, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the phase-changing material that transitions from a flexible liquid state during insertion to a rigid solid state for measurement. This dynamic property allows the same tool to accommodate varying footwear dimensions without requiring multiple static tool variants
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 quick, cost-effective, and precise measurement of footwear interiors, considering material properties, suitable for mass use in online shoe sales without requiring technical expertise, and ensuring accurate fit assessment.
Implementation Method 1
The molded body can be converted from the first state (A) to the second state (B) through a crystallization process
Implementation Method 2
the molded body can heat up during the transition from the first state (A) to the second state (B) to a temperature corresponding to a human's body temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a measuring tool for measuring the interior of a footwear. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for measuring the interior of a footwear using the measuring tool.