Leno-Jacquard Shoe Upper With Selective Stretchability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe upper manufacturing technologies struggle to provide selective stretchability in specific areas, such as the ankle and toe, while maintaining comfort and ease of use, without compromising durability and manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A leno-jacquard weave fabric is used to create a shoe upper with alternating stretchable and non-stretchable areas, achieved by combining warp and weft yarns with different properties and weave patterns, allowing for efficient integration of stretchability and non-stretchability in a single manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a shoe upper is woven as an integral piece with uniform structure, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but selective stretchability in specific areas cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidselective stretchability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different yarn types (stretchable vs. non-stretchable) in different regions of the shoe upper. Specifically, stretchable yarns are used in areas requiring flexibility (toe, ankle) while non-stretchable yarns are used in areas requiring support (instep), all within a single integral woven structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling region-specific functional properties without compromising manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If stretchable yarn is used in all areas of the shoe upper, then ease of putting on and taking off is improved, but foot protection and structural stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of putting on and taking offVSAvoidfoot protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by strategically placing stretchable yarns only in specific areas (toe box, ankle region) where flexibility aids in ease of wear, while using non-stretchable yarns in the instep and midfoot areas where structural support and foot protection are critical. This selective distribution resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If different weaving techniques are applied to different parts of the shoe upper, then selective functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the yarn composition parameter (stretchable vs. non-stretchable yarns) across different regions of the shoe upper while maintaining a consistent plain weave structure. This approach achieves selective functionality (stretchability in toe/ankle, stability in instep) without requiring multiple weaving techniques or complex manufacturing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4316301B1Leno jacquard weave shoe upper having selective stretchability in specific areas
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SONG SOO BOK
  • EP4316301B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4316301B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4316301B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a shoe upper including a stretchable area and a non-stretchable area. The shoe upper is woven by combining a warp yarn and a weft yarn, the weft yarn includes a first weft yarn, which is a stretchable yarn, and a second weft yarn, which is a normal yarn, the first and second weft yarns being alternately arranged next to each other, in the stretchable and the non-stretchable area, the shoe upper is woven with a leno weave and a plain weave in which the first weft yarn and the second weft yarn each are combined to the warp yarn, and the number of weave points of the warp yarn and the second weft yarn is larger in the non-stretchable area than in the stretchable area.