Inflatable Sock Mimics Shoe Internal Shape for Online Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online shoe shopping often results in returns due to improper fit, leading to increased expenses and time wastage for consumers, as they cannot try on shoes before purchasing.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically-powered inflatable sock that mimics the internal shape of a selected shoe, allowing users to determine the fit without having the actual shoe, by inflating to match the internal dimensions of the shoe based on data accessed through a network system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users buy shoes online without trying them on, then shopping convenience is improved, but fit accuracy deteriorates leading to returns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by creating a digital 3D model of the user's foot before the shoe purchase decision. Users scan their feet at home using the provided scanning device, and the system processes this data to generate an accurate digital footprint. This preliminary measurement allows users to confidently purchase shoes online without needing to try them on in person, as the pre-acquired foot data will be used to match with appropriate shoe sizes and fits.
2Measurement precision
If users return shoes that do not fit, then fit accuracy is improved through exchange, but time and expense are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the user's actual foot scan data to predict shoe fit before purchase. The digital 3D model of the user's foot is compared against shoe last data (digital models of shoe interiors) to predict whether a particular shoe will fit well. This feedback mechanism allows users to make informed purchasing decisions without needing to physically try on multiple shoe sizes, thereby preventing returns rather than facilitating them through exchange processes.
3Measurement precision
If physical shoe trying is performed, then fit accuracy is improved, but shopping convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical system of physically trying on shoes with a digital scanning and modeling system. Instead of requiring users to visit brick-and-mortar stores and physically test multiple shoe sizes, the system uses optical scanning technology to capture foot geometry and processes it through software to generate digital models. This substitution of mechanical trying-on processes with digital technology maintains fit accuracy while dramatically improving shopping convenience by allowing purchases to be made from home.
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 users to assess the fit of a shoe without physically trying it on, reducing returns and enhancing the online shoe shopping experience by providing a more accurate fit prediction.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatically-powered inflatable sock that mimics the internal shape of a selected shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system are provided to re-create an internal shape of a shoe using a pneumatically-powered inflatable sock. For example, a shoe last used to manufacture a shoe product based on a selected shoe identifier may be identified. A description of the dimensions of the shoe last may be accessed. The description of the dimensions of the shoe last may be expressed as a set of fills per chamber of a sock having a plurality of fillable chambers. The set of fills per chamber may be determined based on the displacement of an inner wall of the sock when the fillable chambers are in an inflated state. Further, an instruction to cause the plurality of fillable chambers to inflate according to the accessed description may be transmitted.