Footwear Electronic Light System Waterproof Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear with integrated light systems face issues such as water and humidity exposure, compromised structural integrity, and increased costs due to the use of windows, exposed power sources, and sensitive electric connectors.
Innovation Solution
A footwear structure with a programmable light screen and power source connection system that uses a through opening with non-parallel sections to house the screen and connecting means without electric connectors, utilizing a flexible casing and semi-transparent materials, and integrating the power source within the sole to prevent water infiltration and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a window is provided in the footwear item to display the screen, then the light messages can be visible from outside, but the footwear item becomes particularly exposed to water and impurities infiltrations
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable display is housed inside a pocket that is itself housed within the footwear item, creating nested protective layers. The display is further protected by a transparent protective layer that seals it from water and impurities while allowing light messages to be visible from outside the footwear item.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent protective layer is provided over the programmable display to protect it from water and impurities infiltration. This thin film allows light to pass through for visibility while providing a waterproof barrier.
2Reliability
If the programmable display is housed inside the footwear item, then it is protected from external damage, but the structural integrity of the footwear item is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable display is nested within a pocket that is constrained at the outer surface of the footwear item. This pocket structure provides protection for the display while being integrated into the footwear's existing structure, minimizing impact on structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If electric connectors are used to connect the power source and programmable display, then the system is easier to assemble, but the connectors are sensitive to water and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The power source, programmable display, and connecting means are integrated as a single assembled unit housed together within the footwear item. This merging eliminates the need for separate electric connectors that would be exposed to water and humidity, as all connections are made within the protected internal housing.
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 solution provides a robust, waterproof, and cost-effective footwear with an integrated electronic light system that maintains structural integrity and allows for customizable light displays while reducing exposure to water and mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
a programmable light screen (8) equipped with light sources of the LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type
Implementation Method 2
a programmable light screen (8) equipped with light sources of the LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a footwear structure (1 ) comprising a footwear unit (2) having an upper (3) and a sole (4), and an electronic light system (5) integrated in the footwear unit, wherein the upper and the sole are constrained to one another and wherein the electronic light system comprises a power source (7), a programmable light screen (8), a connecting port (9) and first connecting means (10) extended between the programmable light screen and the power source, and further comprising second connecting means (1 1 ) extended between the power source and the connecting port, wherein the footwear unit is equipped with a through opening extended on the upper or on the sole, wherein the through opening includes a first section and a second section that branches from the first section, wherein the programmable light screen overlaps the through opening from an outer side of the footwear unit, and wherein the first connecting means comprise first cables with no interruptions.