Integrated Shoe Upper With Double-Layer Heel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sock upper designs in footwear lack structure and resilience, making it difficult to slip on shoes effortlessly and often require manual assistance, and are not configured to receive added heel components or provide dual layers and support.
Innovation Solution
A shoe upper with a singular, elongated, circular knit tube folded inward to form a double-layered sock, featuring a heel cup with a rigid structure and elastic portions, and an interior foam layer for secure foot insertion and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a singular, elongated, circular knit tube is folded inward to form a double-layered sock, then structural support and resilience are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knit tube is segmented into two congruent sock layers through folding, creating distinct outer and inner layers that provide structural support while maintaining manufacturability through a systematic folding process
Solution Approach 2:
The flat knit tube is transformed into a three-dimensional double-layered structure through folding, adding structural dimensionality that provides resilience and support without requiring complex multi-component construction
2Stability of the object's composition
If the upper portion of the heel cup is made rigid, then stability during use is improved, but ease of foot insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel cup transitions from a rigid state during normal use to a flexible state during foot insertion through compression, allowing the upper portion to move rearward and widen the opening temporarily, then returning to its rigid configuration for stability
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the heel cup changes dynamically based on loading conditions - rigid under normal wear for stability, flexible under insertion load for ease of donning, achieved through the compressible material properties
3Ease of operation
If the shoe opening is made wider for easier insertion, then ease of foot insertion is improved, but secure fit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe opening dynamically adjusts its width - wider during insertion to facilitate foot donning, then constricts to a narrower, more secure fit during normal use through the elastic recovery of the upper material
Solution Approach 2:
The opening width parameter changes temporally - expanded during the insertion phase to improve ease of operation, then returned to a constricted state to improve reliability of secure fit
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
Facilitates easy foot insertion and secure fit without manual assistance, while supporting added heel components and providing dual layers for enhanced comfort and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The foam layer may be compressed by the user's heel during foot insertion in an unexpanded or first compressed state. After the foot is inserted into the shoe, the foam layer may be expanded to its uncompressed state
Implementation Method 2
the upper may have elastic portions that allow the upper to stretch as the foot is inserted into the shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe has an outer sock layer structure and an inner sock layer structure. An ankle cuff is formed at the interconnection between the outer sock layer structure and the inner sock layer structure and completely surrounds the shoe opening. The inner sock layer structure has a pocket in the heel region and a heel cup or heel counter insert in the heel region is partially located between the first interior surface and the second interior surface and an upper portion of the heel cup or heel counter insert is situated within the pocket. The ankle cuff contacts a rearward facing surface of the pocket. The heel counter insert may also be attached to multilayer insole which are then collectively inserted into the upper.