Footwear Upper Assembly With Aligned Apertures for Breathability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knit uppers in footwear stretch and abrade over time, leading to reduced durability and wearer discomfort due to decreased air permeability and breathability from material layering for abrasion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A knit element with aperture groupings and a tongue with axially aligned apertures are integrated into the upper assembly, providing structural integrity, abrasion resistance, and breathability by allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple material elements are layered on top of each other to provide abrasion resistance, then durability is improved, but air permeability and breathability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a knit upper with inherent porosity that maintains air permeability while providing durability. The knitted structure creates a porous matrix that allows breathability without requiring multiple solid material layers, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and air permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining the knit upper with a tongue element that has both porous and non-porous regions. This composite approach allows selective placement of material properties - the porous knit provides breathability while strategic reinforcement areas provide durability without compromising overall air permeability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional knit uppers are used, then breathability is maintained, but stretch and abrasion occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective reinforcement at high-wear areas through the tongue structure. The tongue includes reinforced regions at its periphery that contact the foot and provide localized abrasion resistance, while the main body of the upper maintains its breathable knit construction without unnecessary layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue structure serves as a protective element that anticipates and prevents wear on the knit upper. By positioning the tongue at the interface between the upper and the foot, it absorbs abrasion and mechanical stress before these forces can damage the breathable knit material, thereby extending the usable life of the upper.
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 enhances durability, maintains breathability, and reduces wearer discomfort by minimizing heat and moisture retention while offering additional support and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The apertures in the second plurality of aperture groupings are axially aligned with at least a portion of the apertures in the first plurality of aperture groupings such that a fluid communication path is formed between an interior of the article of footwear and an environment external to the article of footwear
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein are directed toward an upper assembly for an article of footwear that includes a knit element that extends from a throat area to a lower area of the upper assembly along at least a medial side and a lateral side of the upper assembly. The knit element includes a first plurality of aperture groupings. The upper assembly further includes a tongue that extends across the throat area and extends along at least a portion of the medial side and/or the lateral side of the upper assembly to the lower area of the upper assembly. The tongue comprises a second plurality of aperture groupings. The apertures in the second plurality of aperture groupings are axially aligned with at least a portion of the apertures in the first plurality of aperture groupings.