Footwear Upper Insert System for Customizable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear technologies lack the ability to customize the upper portion for varying support and comfort needs during different activities, as they do not provide a flexible system for adjusting stiffness, thickness, and insulating properties.
Innovation Solution
An article of footwear with an insert system that includes a side portion with apertures and raised portions, allowing inserts to be inserted and adjusted for customized support, featuring interchangeable inserts that can be configured for different shapes, sizes, and properties to accommodate specific activities and foot shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper is made with fixed material properties, then manufacturing is simple, but customization for different activities and foot shapes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into an inner portion and an outer portion with apertures between them, creating a segmented structure that allows inserts to be placed within the inner portion. This segmentation enables customization while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Inserts are nested within the inner portion of the upper, with raised portions extending through apertures to the outer portion. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be integrated within the upper structure without significantly increasing external complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the upper material is made solid and continuous, then structural strength is high, but breathability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper incorporates apertures (openings) in the side portions that extend from the inner portion to the outer portion, creating a porous structure that enhances breathability and comfort while maintaining structural integrity through the insert system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inserts are added to the upper, then customization and support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert system allows different inserts with specific properties (stiffness, thickness, insulating properties) to be placed in specific locations within the inner portion of the upper, enabling localized customization of support and comfort properties where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper structure with apertures and the insert system serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling customization for different activities and foot shapes, and maintaining breathability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the upper is made with uniform thickness and properties, then manufacturing is easy, but accommodation of different foot shapes and activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different inserts with varying thicknesses, stiffness, and insulating properties can be placed in different locations within the inner portion of the upper, allowing the footwear to be customized for specific foot shapes and activity requirements while maintaining a uniform base upper structure that is easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper.