Footwear Upper Structure with Biasing Members for Easier Foot Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear uppers and sole structures face challenges in ease of entry and tightening for individuals with limited or impaired mobility, with a need for improved comfort and support.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a fluid-filled chamber within the sole structure, combined with a midsole and outsole, to provide enhanced cushioning and support, along with bladder assemblies for maintaining the upper's shape and facilitating easy foot entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional uppers and sole structures are used, then basic cushioning and support are provided, but ease of entry and tightening is poor for individuals with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The upper structure is divided into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the upper to expand and contract independently in different regions, facilitating easier foot entry while maintaining structural integrity and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper structure incorporates dynamic elements including fluid-filled chambers that can be inflated or deflated, and panels that are configured to move relative to one another. This dynamic capability allows the upper to adapt its shape and volume to accommodate foot entry while providing tightening and support during wear.
2Ease of operation
If fluid-filled chambers are added to enhance cushioning, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-filled chambers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide cushioning by attenuating ground-reaction forces, they enable the upper structure to expand and contract for easier foot entry, and they contribute to the overall shape and support of the footwear. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-filled chambers are integrated within the sole structure and upper assembly rather than being separate add-on components. The chambers are positioned to work in conjunction with the midsole and outsole, combining cushioning, support, and adaptability functions into a unified system.
3Ease of operation
If multiple panels are used to facilitate foot entry, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple panels of the upper structure are configured to nest within one another during foot entry, with each panel capable of moving independently. This nested arrangement allows the panels to be stored in a compact configuration during manufacturing and shipping, while expanding to provide the necessary ease of foot entry during use.
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 comfort and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces and simplifies foot entry and tightening, improving overall footwear performance for individuals with mobility limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces
Implementation Method 2
The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load
Data Source
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AI summary
An upper for an article of footwear includes a first material defining a void operable to selectively receive a foot. The first material includes an outer surface. The upper also includes a first edge at least partially circumscribing the void at an uppermost extremity of the upper and a second edge disposed at a lowermost extremity of the upper. The upper further includes a first biasing member (i) disposed at the outer surface of the upper, (ii) attached to the first material, and (iii) spaced apart from the first edge and the second edge. The first biasing member is operable to exert a biasing force on the first material to bias the first edge away from the second edge.