Modular Footwear Snap-Fit Sole-Upper Connection for Replaceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear manufacturing processes face issues such as stitching breakage, glue degradation, non-replaceable soles, difficulty in replacing components, discomfort due to zippers, environmental impact, and lack of aesthetic versatility.
Innovation Solution
Modular footwear design featuring a sole and upper connected via removable fastening means, utilizing engagement elements and connecting elements that allow quick assembly and disassembly without stitching or glue, ensuring durability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stitching or glue is used to join the sole and upper, then the footwear can be assembled, but the stitching breaks or glue crystallizes reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (stitching and gluing) with a snap-fit mechanical engagement system. The connection means comprises an engagement element with an enlarged terminal portion that engages with a through opening in the connecting element, creating a tool-free, reliable connection that avoids the failure modes of stitching (breakage) and gluing (crystallization).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connection system by using elastic materials for the connecting element that can deform to accommodate the engagement element. The elastic material allows the connecting element to flex during assembly and maintain a secure connection, transforming the rigid joining approach into a flexible, reliable engagement system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sole is made non-replaceable, then manufacturing is simpler, but the entire footwear must be replaced when the sole wears out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the footwear into separable components (sole, upper, insole, outsole) that can be independently replaced. The connection means enables the sole to be detached and replaced without affecting other components, allowing selective repair and extending the overall footwear lifespan while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zippers are used to join the sole and upper removably, then component replacement is possible, but the zipper breaks under stress and stiffens the footwear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic zipper mechanism from the footwear design and replaces it with a simplified snap-fit engagement system. The connection means uses an engagement element that inserts into a through opening, eliminating the complex zipper teeth and interlocking mechanisms that are prone to breaking under continuous stress from walking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If zippers are used for removable fastening, then component separation is enabled, but the zipper must be sewn or glued creating environmental disposal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sewn or glued zipper attachment method with a pure mechanical engagement system. The connection means uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking (enlarged terminal portion engaging with through opening) to create removable fastening without requiring additional stitching or adhesives, enabling easy separation and recycling of components.
5Strength
If traditional footwear is designed, then structural integrity is maintained, but customization and aesthetic modification are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the footwear into independently replaceable components (upper, sole, insole, outsole) that can be customized separately. Users can mix and match different components to create unique aesthetic combinations while the connection means ensures each component maintains its structural integrity when attached.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
Modular footwear comprising a sole (2), an upper (3), mechanically connected to the sole (2), and connection means (4), placed with removable fastening of the upper (3) to the sole (2). The connection means (4) comprise at least one engagement element (5), which is mechanically connected to the sole (2), is arranged at least partially in projection from the sole (2) and is provided with an enlarged terminal portion (51). Furthermore, the connection means (4) comprise at least a first connecting element (6), on which at least one through opening (61) is made and is reversibly engaged by the enlarged terminal portion (51) of the engagement element (5) to removably retain the upper (3) on the sole (2). Furthermore, the first connecting element (6) is removably connected to the upper (3).