Heel-Opening Shoe with Segmented Top Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes are difficult for individuals with limited muscular control or paralysis to put on, as they require toe flexion and movement, leading to potential circulation issues and swelling due to incorrect foot positioning.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design with a top portion that can open from the heel end, allowing the foot to be slid in naturally, with a fastener such as a zipper or Velcro that moves around the shoe to provide access and maintain toe alignment, ensuring proper circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional shoe opening is positioned at the toe end, then the shoe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but individuals with limited muscular control or paralysis cannot easily insert their foot without toe flexion that causes circulation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe opening is repositioned from the conventional toe end to the heel end, inverting the traditional insertion method. This allows the foot to be inserted heel-first in a natural position without requiring toe flexion, thereby solving the circulation problem while maintaining a relatively simple shoe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe upper is divided into separate panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the opening to be relocated to the heel while maintaining structural integrity through the fastening system connecting the panels.
2Ease of operation
If the shoe opening is enlarged to allow easy foot insertion, then foot insertion becomes easier, but the shoe cannot properly secure and contain the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe upper is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the opening to be enlarged for easy foot insertion while maintaining proper foot containment through the coordinated positioning of separate panels around the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe incorporates adjustable fastening elements that allow the opening size and panel positioning to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the shoe to accommodate easy foot insertion while subsequently securing the foot properly through the adjustable fastening system.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods (laces, Velcro) are used around the opening, then the shoe can be secured, but the fastener does not provide sufficient access for individuals with limited foot mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent fasteners positioned on different panels rather than a single continuous closure. This allows portions of the shoe to be opened wider to provide sufficient access for foot insertion while maintaining securing capability through the distributed fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the shoe opening rather than a single plane. This dimensional arrangement allows portions of the shoe to be opened in multiple directions, providing sufficient access for individuals with limited foot mobility while maintaining secure closure.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe comprises a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a top member having an outer surface and an inner surface and mounted on the sole. The top member and sole to together define a space for receiving a foot, and the top member further comprises an opening. A fastener is provided in the top member and extends from the opening and continues over the top member such that a portion of the top member is movable between a first position in which the space is substantially closed and a second position in which a portion of the top member is folded back from the sole to provide access to the space.