Layered Coating for Leather-Like Polymer Shoe Sole Edges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively replicate the appearance of leather on shoe soles, particularly in polymer materials, lacking the aesthetic and structural features of stacked leather soles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple paint layers and a lacquer finish is applied to the sole edge of a polymer shoe sole, creating a pattern that mimics the appearance of leather, using solvent-based adhesives and roller printing to achieve a stippled effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple paint layers and lacquer finish are applied to polymer shoe sole edges, then the leather-like appearance is achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct sequential steps: applying first paint, applying second paint, applying third paint, and applying lacquer finish. Each step builds upon the previous one to create the layered leather-like appearance, allowing for controlled application and drying of each layer separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D paint application to 3D edge profiling by applying paints to the vertical sole edge surface. The masking step creates a defined boundary zone, and subsequent paint applications build up layered color patterns on this vertical surface, adding dimensional complexity to achieve the leather stacked appearance
2Manufacturing precision
If masking is applied to peripheral margin before painting, then paint application precision is improved, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking is applied to the peripheral margin before any paint application begins. This preliminary step establishes precise boundaries for where paint should be applied, ensuring that the first, second, and third paints are confined to the desired edge zones and do not bleed into unwanted areas
Solution Approach 2:
The masking material serves as an intermediary barrier between the paint application process and the areas where paint should not be applied. It temporarily protects the peripheral margin and provides a clean edge for paint application, allowing for precise color layering without manual precision
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
The method produces a shoe sole with a leather-like appearance, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining structural integrity, using polymer materials that mimic the look of stacked leather soles.
Implementation Method 1
a second paint is applied to the sole edge via a roller printing process to form a sole edge pattern. The roller printing process applies the second paint in a non-uniform coat such that the sole edge pattern has the appearance of leather
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a shoe sole having the appearance of leather. A masking is applied to a peripheral margin of a shoe sole. After applying the masking to the peripheral margin, a first paint is applied to the sole edge. The first paint is of a first color. After applying the first paint, a second paint is applied to the sole edge. The second paint is of a second color. After applying the second paint, a third paint is applied to the sole edge to form a sole edge pattern. The third paint is of a third color different from the first and second colors. After applying the third paint, a lacquer finish is applied to the sole edge. The sole edge pattern has the appearance of leather.