Hourglass Suction Cup Membrane for Shoe Ventilation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe sole ventilation and waterproofing solutions fail to provide adequate comfort and prevent water infiltration, as previous breathable membranes are either too thin and prone to compression loss or overly insulating, leading to temperature increase, and previous elastic lamellas lose elasticity and unidirectional valves malfunction over time.

Innovation Solution

A membrane with suction cups shaped like an open hourglass or bellows, made of hydrophilic and waterproof material, providing flexibility and resistance to deformation, is molded onto the shoe sole to enhance ventilation and comfort by allowing air discharge and preventing water infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an extremely thin breathable membrane is used to protect the foot from dampness, then waterproofing and breathability are improved, but the membrane loses thickness through compression during use, resulting in marked loss of comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin breathable membrane (such as Gore-Tex) that is protected by a layer of foam material or polyester felt. The membrane itself remains thin to maintain breathability and waterproofing, while the protective layer absorbs compression forces during walking, preventing the membrane from flattening irreversibly and maintaining comfort over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If more resistant compression material such as polyurethanes is used to protect the membrane, then durability is improved, but the temperature inside the shoe increases due to insulating properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different materials with different properties in different locations: a thin breathable membrane for waterproofing, a layer of foam material or polyester felt for compression protection where needed, and maintains openness in other areas to allow heat dissipation. This localized application of protective materials provides compression resistance without excessive insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If elastic lamellas are used to create air cushion for ventilation, then initial comfort is improved, but the lamellas lose elasticity and break over time, limiting ventilation effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces elastic lamellas with a continuous thin breathable membrane that forms an air cushion between the foot and the sole. This membrane does not rely on elastic properties that degrade over time, but rather maintains its breathability and waterproofing functions continuously, providing long-lasting ventilation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If unidirectional outlet valve is installed to control air flow, then air discharge control is improved, but the valve may cease to function correctly over time, impeding damp air discharge or allowing water infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the unidirectional outlet valve from the system and relies instead on the natural breathability of the thin membrane and the air cushion mechanism to provide ventilation. This eliminates the moving parts that can fail, while maintaining effective air discharge through the breathable membrane material itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 membrane offers long-lasting comfort and effective perspiration management, maintaining dryness and internal climate control, suitable for sports shoes, by using flexible and wear-resistant thermoplastic suction cups that absorb foot impact and facilitate air discharge through microholes.

Implementation Method 1

suction cups in soft thermoplastic material are moulded directly onto the support... characterized by great flexibility and resistance to permanent deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

support in hydrophilic or breathable and waterproof material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

support in hydrophilic or breathable and waterproof material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2152111B1Membrane with suction cups having the shape of an open hourglass moulded in flexible thermoplastic material onto a hydrophilic and/or breathable support

Publication Date: 2012.10.03

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AI summary

The present invention concerns the footwear sector and more specifically it concerns a membrane to be fitted as an accessory in the front part or covering the entire surface of the footbed of shoe soles consisting of a support in hydrophilic or breathable and waterproof material onto which a series of suction cups having the shape of an open hourglass or of bellows or of a cylinder are directly moulded in flexible thermoplastic material fitted facing the part where the foot rests in order to provide efficacious ventilation and waterproofing of the shoe and greater comfort during walking.