Interchangeable Heel Device with Key and Recess System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchangeable heel devices are complex, expensive, and not suitable for mass production, limiting their availability and causing orthopedic issues due to uneven wear and lack of fashion and comfort options.
Innovation Solution
A simple, secure, and cost-effective interchangeable heel device with a key and receiving recess system that allows easy attachment and detachment of heels, accommodating various heights, styles, and orthopedic needs, including the use of shims and 3D printing for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interchangeable heel mechanisms are used, then heel interchangeability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heel assembly is divided into separate components: a heel portion and a shoe body with distinct engagement features (protrusion and recess). This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and easy interchangeability while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted from a complex mechanical mechanism and simplified to a basic snap-fit engagement between the heel protrusion and shoe body recess, eliminating the need for complicated fastening systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interchangeable heel mechanisms are used, then heel interchangeability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heel and shoe body into separate manufacturable components with simple engagement features, mass production becomes economically viable through standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts simple, potentially disposable heel portions that can be easily manufactured and replaced, reducing the need for expensive durable mechanisms while maintaining functionality.
3Device complexity
If fixed heel design is used, then shoe structure is simple, but fashion and comfort options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe body is designed with a universal engagement interface that can accommodate multiple heel portions with different heights, styles, and functions, allowing one shoe body to serve multiple fashion and comfort purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heel portions can be manufactured with varying parameters (height, shape, material properties) while maintaining the same engagement interface, enabling customization for fashion preferences and orthopedic needs.
4Ease of manufacture
If heels are not interchangeable, then manufacturing is simpler, but orthopedic issues arise from uneven wear
Solution Approach 1:
Heel portions can be manufactured with controlled wear parameters and replaced when worn, ensuring uniform wear characteristics and preventing orthopedic issues associated with uneven heel wear.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable heel device for a shoe is disclosed. The device has an upper heel block, a detachable heel, and a key. The key is in a top of the detachable heel or in a bottom of the upper heel block and a receiving recess is in the other of the detachable heel or upper heel block. The key is movable within the receiving recess between a released position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, each key first engagement portion is engaged with one of the receiving first engagement portions and each key second engagement portions is engaged with one of the receiving second engagement portions to join the key to the perimeter of the receiving recess and the heel to the sole. In the released position, each key first engagement portion is aligned with one of the receiving non-engagement recesses and the key is removable from the receiving recess.