3D Mesh Footwear Sole With Adhesive-Free Interlocking Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional mesh structure bodies used in footwear soles have limited material selection due to manufacturing constraints, leading to durability issues at the ground contact surface, and adhesive-based fixing methods increase environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A sole configuration comprising a sole body formed of a three-dimensional mesh structure and an outsole with engaging and engaged portions that interlock without adhesives, using protrusions and cutouts to maintain attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire sole is formed of a three-dimensional mesh structure body, then the shock absorption and breathability are improved, but the durability at the ground contact surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into two functional parts: a sole body made of three-dimensional mesh structure for shock absorption and breathability, and a separate outsole made of durable material for ground contact. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear combines two different materials with complementary properties: the elastic body material of the mesh structure provides flexibility and shock absorption, while the durable material of the outsole provides wear resistance. The composite structure integrates these materials to achieve both shock absorption and durability.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to fix the outsole to the sole body, then the attachment strength is improved, but the environmental load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding method (adhesive) is replaced with a mechanical bonding method using engagement portions. The outsole and sole body are connected through interlocking geometric features that provide attachment strength without requiring chemical adhesives, thereby reducing environmental load.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are strategically positioned at specific locations where attachment is needed, rather than requiring complete surface coverage with adhesive. This localized mechanical engagement provides sufficient attachment strength while eliminating the need for environmentally harmful adhesive materials.
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 solution ensures durable and environmentally friendly attachment of the sole body to the shell, enhancing durability and comfort while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the shock absorbing portion is formed of a single member made of an elastic body
Data Source
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AI summary
Footwear (1A) includes a shell (10) including an outsole portion (11); and a sole body (20) attached to the shell (10) and including a footbed portion (21). The footbed portion (21) includes a shock absorbing portion (21a) formed of a three-dimensional mesh structure body so as to extend to a peripheral surface of the footbed portion (21). An engaged portion (14) is disposed in an inner side surface of the outsole portion (11), and an engaging portion (23) is disposed in a portion of the shock absorbing portion (21a) that corresponds to the peripheral surface. One of the engaged portion (14) and the engaging portion (23) is a protruding portion while the other one of the engaged portion (14) and the engaging portion (23) is a cutout portion provided as a recessed portion or a hole portion. By engaging the protruding portion with the cutout portion such that the protruding portion is sandwiched by the cutout portion in a direction intersecting a ground contact surface (12a), an attached state is maintained, and an occupied volume ratio of a region including at least a portion defining the engaging portion (23) in the shock absorbing portion (21a) is locally increased.