Heel Spring Structure for Hands-Free Foot Entry in Soft Uppers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional footwear requires the use of one or both hands to stretch the ankle opening and hold the rear portion during foot insertion, especially in soft uppers without a heel counter.
Innovation Solution
A heel spring device configured to surround the foot-receiving cavity at the heel region, comprising a control bar with side arms and a base, which is biased to an unloaded position and elastically deforms under force to a loaded position, allowing hands-free foot entry by storing potential energy that returns the control bar to the unstressed position upon load removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft upper without heel counter is used, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but ease of foot insertion deteriorates requiring manual stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The heel spring device is pre-loaded during foot insertion, storing elastic energy that automatically returns the control bar to its original position, thereby preliminarily preparing the ankle opening to expand and guide the foot in without requiring manual stretching
Solution Approach 2:
The heel spring device uses the foot's own weight and insertion motion to load the spring mechanism, which then automatically performs the function of expanding the ankle opening, eliminating the need for external manual assistance
2Ease of operation
If hands-free foot entry is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to spring mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The control bar is constructed as a thin, flexible element that can elastically deform under load and return to its original shape, eliminating the need for complex rigid spring mechanisms while achieving the same hands-free foot entry function
Solution Approach 2:
The control bar transitions from a static structural element to a dynamic, elastically deformable component that automatically adjusts its position in response to foot insertion forces, enabling hands-free operation without complex mechanical systems
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
Enables easy and hands-free foot entry into footwear by widening the ankle opening, reducing the need for manual manipulation during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the control bar is biased to an unloaded position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically deforms under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance
Implementation Method 2
The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unstressed position upon removal of the applied load
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to surround a portion of a foot-receiving cavity at a heel region of an article of footwear comprises a control bar having a center segment, a first side arm extending from the center segment, and a second side arm spaced from the first side arm and extending from the center segment. The control bar may include a series of slats. A base supports the control bar and is connected to the first side arm and the second side arm. The control bar is biased to an unstressed position with the center segment a first distance from the base, and elastically bends under an applied force to a loaded position with the center segment a second distance from the base less than the first distance. The device stores potential energy that returns the control bar to the unloaded position upon removal of the applied load.