Footwear Upper With Integrated Knit Lacing Loops and Outer Shroud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear uppers often expose lacing systems and loops to environmental elements, leading to deterioration and discomfort, while requiring separate tongue pieces for adjustability, which can compromise fit and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A knitted inner component with integrated tensile strands forming loops and a covering outer shroud that encases the loops, allowing for secure fastening without external exposure, and eliminating the need for a separate tongue piece, while utilizing varying materials for elasticity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lacing systems and loops are exposed on the exterior of the upper, then adjustability is maintained, but durability deteriorates due to exposure to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing system loops are integrated within the tongue structure, nesting the fastening elements inside the upper rather than exposing them on the exterior. The tongue acts as a container that holds the loops and laces, protecting them from environmental damage while preserving adjustability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue is constructed as a flexible protective shell that encloses the lacing system. This thin film structure provides protection against environmental elements while maintaining the flexibility needed for foot movement and adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate tongue piece is used for adjustability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing system and tongue are merged into a single integrated structure. The loops are formed as part of the tongue knitting pattern, eliminating the need for separate tongue pieces and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustability through integrated loops, acts as a protective barrier for the lacing system, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lacing systems are used with exposed loops, then ease of operation is maintained, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing loops are nested within the tongue structure, placing them inside a protective environment that shields them from UV radiation, moisture, and other harmful environmental factors while keeping the system easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue material acts as an intermediary barrier between the lacing system and environmental harmful factors. It mediates protection against deterioration while allowing the lacing mechanism to function smoothly.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. The upper can include an inner knit component and an outer shroud formed at least in part of a knitted material. The outer shroud may extend over a throat region formed by the inner knit component and may include a plurality of protrusions extending outward from its outer surface. In some configurations, the upper comprises a single knitted component that forms the lateral side, medial side, and a throat region extending between them, where the throat region may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the footwear. The inner knit component may include one or more tensile strands forming overlapping loops to receive a fastening element.