Heated Sock Toe Heating Element Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated socks with integrated heating elements under the foot cause discomfort, increase the risk of blisters, and are prone to damage due to pressure and friction, leading to a higher risk of electrical conductor breakage and loss of function.
Innovation Solution
The heating element is arranged on the inside of the deflection area, with the heating zone surrounding the toes, using an elastic carrier layer and wavy electrical conductor configuration to distribute stress and prevent damage, and connections are reinforced to withstand mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating element is arranged under the foot in the position of use, then the heating function is provided, but wearing comfort is reduced and the risk of blisters and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is inverted from its conventional position under the foot to a position surrounding the toes in the deflection area. This inversion relocates the heating function to an area that naturally moves with the foot, eliminating direct pressure and friction on the heating element while maintaining thermal contact with the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element transitions from a planar arrangement under the foot to a three-dimensional configuration surrounding the toes. This dimensional change allows the heating element to conform to the natural movement of the toes while maintaining consistent thermal contact, avoiding the harmful effects of direct pressure.
2Temperature
If the heating element is arranged under the foot, then heating is provided, but the risk of electrical conductor breakage increases due to pressure and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element with its electrical conductor is inverted from an under-foot position to a toe-surrounding position. This relocation removes the electrical conductor from areas of high pressure and friction, significantly reducing the risk of breakage while preserving the heating function through thermal contact with the toes.
3Ease of operation
If the heating element is arranged to surround the toes, then wearing comfort is improved and damage risk is reduced, but the heating element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element utilizes a flexible, thin-film structure that can conform to the contours of the toes. This flexible design allows the heating element to surround the toes comfortably without adding significant structural complexity, as the thin film naturally adapts to the foot's geometry and movement.
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
This design enhances wearing comfort, reduces the risk of blisters and damage to the heating element, leading to fewer complaints and extended functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element has a heating zone, wherein the heating zone of the heating element is arranged on the inside of the deflection area, so that toes of a foot accommodated in the footwear are surrounded by the heating element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Footwear (1), in particular a sock, comprises a leg (4), with an upper end (5) for receiving a lower leg, a foot part (2) arranged on the leg (4) and having an upper and a lower for receiving a foot, and a toe flap (3) arranged at the foot part (2), for receiving the toes. The footwear (1) comprises at least one heating element (6) with connections (9) for a voltage source (11), said heating element (6) being provided in the area of the foot part (2) on the upper of the foot part (2).