Knitted Footwear Upper With Inlaid Tension Loops for Adjustable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacks an effective adjustable tensioning system that provides a secure and customizable fit, particularly in athletic footwear, which can accommodate varying foot sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A knitted component with an integrated adjustable tensioning system using an inlaid strand and a fastening system, where the inlaid strand extends through the knitted component to form exposed loops, allowing for adjustable tensioning through a fastening system that secures to a strap fastener, enhancing fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear uses standard upper and sole structures, then manufacturing is simple, but fit adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable tensioning system with movable components including an inlaid strand that can be repositioned through the knitted component and a fastening system with adjustable positioning. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the footwear to adapt to different foot sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on conventional upper and sole components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is divided into separate functional elements: an inlaid strand integrated into the knitted component, a fastening system with adjustable positioning, and a strap fastener. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling fit adjustment without requiring complete redesign of the entire footwear structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable tensioning system is added to footwear, then fit customization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the inlaid strand serves both as a structural element of the knitted component and as part of the tensioning system; the fastening system integrates positioning and securing functions; and the strap fastener combines adjustment and fixation roles. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining fit customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is designed to be user-adjustable through simple operations with the fastening system and strap fastener. The inlaid strand can be repositioned and secured by the user without requiring complex mechanisms or professional assistance, enabling fit customization while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If inlaid strands are used to form exposed loops, then tensioning adjustability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlaid strand is pre-positioned and pre-formed into exposed loops during the knitting process. This preliminary action allows the tensioning adjustability feature to be built into the structure before the footwear is assembled, simplifying subsequent manufacturing steps while maintaining ease of operation for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state and configuration of the inlaid strand - from being integrated into the knitted fabric to forming exposed loops that can be manipulated. This parameter change allows the same material to serve both structural and adjustable tensioning functions, balancing manufacturing complexity with operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component, the knitted component including a plurality of courses; and at least one inlaid strand, where the at least one inlaid strand is inlaid within at least one course of the plurality of courses, and where the at least one inlaid strand includes an exposed portion, the exposed portion at least partially extending through a throat area of the article of footwear when the article of footwear is in a wearable state.