Knitted Footwear Upper With Adjustable Compression Selection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear uppers are complex and inefficient to manufacture due to multiple material elements, leading to increased waste, time, and expense, as well as reduced recyclability, as they require multiple cutting and joining processes to achieve desired properties.
Innovation Solution
A footwear upper with a knitted component of unitary knit construction, featuring a compression member and a selection element that allows for adjustable compression, formed through a knitting process that integrates a hook mechanism for secure attachment, reducing the number of material elements and manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple material elements are used in the upper, then desired properties (stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, etc.) are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple material elements into a single knitted component that is formed in one continuous knitting process. The knitted component integrates various functional zones (reinforced areas, flexible areas, breathable zones) within a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate material elements that would traditionally require cutting and joining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The knitted component serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides structural support, flexibility, breathability, and compression all within a single element. The continuous knit structure creates different zones with varying properties (denser areas for support, more open areas for breathability) without requiring multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple material elements are joined together, then desired properties are achieved, but manufacturing time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The knitted component is formed with its final three-dimensional configuration during the knitting process itself, rather than requiring subsequent assembly operations. The component is pre-formed as a complete unit with all functional zones integrated, eliminating post-manufacturing joining operations and reducing overall production time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple material elements are used, then desired properties are achieved, but waste material accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The knitted component is constructed with segmented zones of different knit densities and configurations within a single continuous structure. Different regions of the same component have varying properties (reinforced zones, flexible zones, breathable zones) achieved through variations in the knit pattern rather than through separate material elements, eliminating cutting waste.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple material elements are incorporated, then desired properties are achieved, but recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple material elements into a single knitted component made from one continuous strand of material, the design simplifies the material composition to a single recyclable stream. This unified structure can be more easily separated and recycled compared to multi-material constructions with different bonding methods and material types.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, decreases waste, and enhances recyclability while providing adjustable fit and comfort by integrating the selection element into the knitted component, allowing for customizable compression.
Implementation Method 1
The knitted component includes a compression member configured to apply an amount of compression to a wearer to secure the article of footwear to a foot of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
The selection element includes a first area and a second area. The first area is configured to move relative to the second area between an unsecured position and a secured position to change the amount of compression applied by the compression member
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a knitted component with a compression member that is configured to apply compression to the wearer. The knitted component also includes a selection element that is configured for selecting and changing the amount of compression applied by the compression member. The selection element is spaced away from the sole structure. The selection element includes a first area and a second area. The first area is configured to move relative to the second area between an unsecured position and a secured position to change the amount of compression applied by the compression member. The first area is spaced away from the second area in the unsecured position, and the first area is attached to the second area in the secured position.