Lattice Footwear Frame for Replaceable Outsole Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes suffer from outsoles wearing out faster than the rest of the sole structure and upper, necessitating replacement of the entire shoe despite the upper and other components being usable, and they lack customization and support adjustments for different physical activities.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a frame with a lattice-work structure and a fastening mechanism that allows for the outsole to be replaced and customized, with the frame extending along the medial and lateral sides and heel region, featuring apertures for lace attachment and elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outsole is made durable and wear-resistant, then the shoe provides better traction and stability, but the outsole wears out faster than other components requiring full shoe replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple replaceable modular components rather than a single integrated piece. Each module can be independently replaced when worn, allowing the durable outsole material to be reused through multiple modules while the upper and other components remain in use, thus extending overall shoe lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where worn outsole modules are discarded and replaced with fresh modules that can be attached to the same shoe. The durable outsole material is recovered and reused across multiple modules, separating the lifespan of the outsole material from the lifespan of the entire shoe assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shoe structure is made unified and integrated, then manufacturing is simpler, but customization and support adjustments for different activities become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is segmented into standardized modules (outsole modules, midsole modules) that can be manufactured separately using simple processes then assembled. This modular architecture enables both easy manufacturing of individual components and flexible customization by assembling different module combinations for different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that work across different shoe configurations and activities. A single upper design can accommodate multiple outsole modules suited for different activities (running, cross-training, walking), providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized shoe designs.
3Reliability
If the entire shoe is replaced when the outsole wears out, then structural integrity is maintained, but resource waste occurs as other components are discarded
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outsole into replaceable modules, the patent allows only the worn module to be discarded rather than the entire shoe. The upper, midsole, and other components are preserved and reused with new outsole modules, significantly reducing material waste while maintaining structural integrity through proper module attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective discarding of only the worn outsole module while recovering and reusing the durable upper and other components. This extends the service life of the shoe's valuable components and reduces the frequency of full shoe replacements, thereby reducing overall material consumption and waste.
4Strength
If the frame is made rigid for stability, then support is improved, but adaptability to different foot positions and activities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its rigidity and shape in response to different foot positions and activities. The mounting structures can flex or adjust to accommodate various foot angles and pressures while maintaining sufficient stability to securely hold the outsole modules in place during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations - some portions are more rigid to provide stability where needed, while other portions are more flexible to accommodate foot movement and positioning. This localized variation in structural quality allows the frame to simultaneously provide support and adaptability.
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
Enables the outsole to be replaced and customized, providing tailored support and extending the lifespan of the shoe by allowing only worn parts to be replaced, thus optimizing shoe performance for various activities.
Implementation Method 1
The lattice-work structure of the frame may include portions configured to elastically deform
Implementation Method 2
The lattice-work structure of the frame can be formed by a plurality of apertures extending through an exterior surface and an interior surface of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes an upper having a fastening mechanism, a sole, and a frame having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The sole includes a midsole structure and an outsole structure. The interior surface of the frame is adjacent portions of the midsole structure, the outsole structure, and the upper. The frame further has a lattice-work structure formed by a plurality of apertures extending through the interior and exterior surfaces of the frame such that at least some of the portions of the midsole structure, the outsole structure, and the upper adjacent the interior surface of the frame are exposed through the plurality of apertures. The fastening mechanism includes a fastening member extending through at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures of the frame.