Water Sports Footwear Strap System and Padded Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear designs for water sports lack adequate support and traction, particularly in the heel and rear regions, and often fail to securely fasten in wet conditions, leading to water ingress and slipping.
Innovation Solution
The design features a water-durable upper with a slip-resistant sole, a strap system comprising a first and second fastening strap, and multiple padded members on the instep and ankle regions for enhanced support and traction, along with a wrap-around sole configuration that channels water away from the contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single strap wrapping around the ankle is used for fastening, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fastening in wet conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is divided into multiple independent straps: a first strap wrapping around the ankle and a second strap across the instep. Each strap is secured by separate fasteners, creating redundant fastening points that prevent water from compromising the entire fastening system through a single breach point.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a single-dimensional ankle wrap to a two-dimensional configuration with straps positioned both around the ankle and across the instep. This multi-level arrangement creates overlapping coverage that blocks water ingress paths more effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the heel and rear of the footwear are left open, then the ease of operation is improved, but the support for the rear of the foot deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear provides localized support through a padded heel piece that specifically reinforces the heel region while maintaining an open rear configuration. The padding is strategically positioned to provide structural support and comfort exactly where needed without requiring a closed heel structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin rubber outsole is used, then the flexibility is improved, but the traction on wet surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is constructed as a thin, flexible rubber film that maintains conformability to the foot and board surface. The flexibility is preserved through the material selection and thin profile, while traction is enhanced through surface texture and wrap-around configuration that increases contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The outsole extends in a wrap-around configuration from the toe area beneath the forefoot to the heel area, creating additional contact zones. This multi-zone contact arrangement distributes pressure and increases overall traction without requiring increased sole thickness.
4Strength
If multiple padded members are added to the instep and ankle regions, then the protection and support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple padded members are integrated into the upper structure as unified elements rather than separate attachable components. The padding is incorporated directly into the strap assemblies and heel piece, combining protective function with structural elements to reduce overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article includes straps that fasten an upper into place. The straps are configured to maintain a fastened position when water is splashed from below the article. The article further includes padded members to protect the instep and the front ankle of the foot.