Heel Strap Structure for Easy-On Secure Footwear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear straps are inefficient in securing the heel and do not facilitate easy putting on and taking off, compromising comfort and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A footwear strap with a rigid heel structural element featuring a convex curvature and connecting arms that extend downward to the footbed or insole, made of polymer material like Hytrel or TPU, and optionally covered with fabric or textile, which can deform under pressure to accommodate the heel and restore, enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional footwear strap is used, then the structure is simple, but the heel securing effectiveness is poor and ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid heel structural element is designed to be deformable under pressure, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the heel shape during insertion, then maintain its rigid form for secure holding. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by enabling easy insertion (deformed state) followed by reliable securing (rigid state).
Solution Approach 2:
The heel structural element changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) when subjected to compressive force during insertion, then restores to its original configuration. This parameter change allows the element to temporarily accommodate the heel for easy insertion, then maintain structural integrity for reliable securing.
2Ease of operation
If a rigid heel structural element with convex curvature is used, then the heel receiving capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature feature is integrated directly into the rigid heel structural element itself, merging the heel receiving function with the structural support function. This eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved heel insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex curvature of the rigid heel structural element is specifically designed to match the natural contour of the human heel. This curved geometry facilitates easy heel insertion by guiding the heel into the correct position, while the curvature is incorporated into a single integrated structure rather than requiring multiple separate parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rigid heel structural element is made deformable, then the comfort and adaptability are improved, but the strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A compressible layer is positioned between the rigid heel structural element and the heel to provide cushioning and absorption of impact forces. This allows the rigid element to maintain its structural strength while the compressible layer provides the necessary deformation and adaptation to the heel shape, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear strap combines a rigid heel structural element (made of strong materials like thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic polyester elastomer) with a compressible layer (made of softer, more compliant material). This composite structure allows the rigid portion to maintain strength and stability while the compressible portion provides adaptability and comfort through deformation.
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 design allows for easy insertion and secure fitting of the heel, improving comfort and convenience by facilitating easy donning and doffing of footwear.
Implementation Method 1
the rigid heel structural element can deform under pressure to accommodate the heel and restore
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a footwear strap and a footwear having the same. An article of footwear may have a strap element and a heel structural element inside the strap element. The heel structural element may have two connecting arms, each of the two connecting arms having a medial arm and a lateral arm connected with the medial arm. The lateral arm and the medial arm may be integrally molded, and the lateral arm may be connected with the upper rear portion. The footwear strap may be assembled to the footwear and a compressible layer is located on an inner side of the heel structural element, and the compressible layer entirely covers the upper rear portion, at least partially covers the medial arm and the lateral arm, and gradually tapers or terminates along the inner side of the medial arm and the inner side of the lateral arm.