Modular Insole-Sock Insert with Friction Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insole-sock inserts for footwear often cause discomfort due to foot confinement and compression, are difficult to use, especially for elderly adults or those with disabilities, and lack designs that prioritize user comfort and ease of use, particularly in achieving a 'sockless look'.

Innovation Solution

An insole-sock type insert with a modular design featuring a short, medium, or modified sock attached to an insole on one axis, allowing for adjustable sizing and attachment methods like seams or hook and loop fasteners, providing free mobility and a washable, ergonomic solution that mimics the 'sockless look' by varying the sock's coverage based on footwear type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional insole-sock inserts are used with sealing components (hook and loop fasteners), then the insole and sock remain fixed, but more force is needed to separate them and they cause foot confinement and compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed attachmentVSAvoiddifficulty to separate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into two separable components: an insole portion and a sock portion. This segmentation allows the user to separate the components easily by simply pulling them apart, eliminating the need to overcome strong adhesive forces while maintaining secure attachment during use through friction and anatomical fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing components (hook and loop fasteners) are completely removed from the design. Instead of using mechanical fastening systems that require significant force to separate, the invention relies on the friction between the sock material and the insole surface, combined with the anatomical shaping of the insert, to maintain secure attachment during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If insole-sock inserts are designed with integrated structures, then they provide stable attachment, but they are not easy to use for elderly adults or those with disabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable attachmentVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism transitions from static (permanent bonding or rigid fastening) to dynamic (friction-based holding that allows easy separation). The sock portion can be easily pulled off the insole when needed, providing adaptability for users with limited strength or dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If socks are completely removed for a sockless look, then comfort is improved, but foot protection and hygiene are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidfoot protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sock portion is designed to cover only specific areas of the foot (toes, heel, or arch) rather than the entire foot. This localized coverage provides protection and hygiene where needed while leaving other areas exposed for comfort and a sockless appearance, allowing users to customize coverage based on their needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sock portion can be easily adjusted or removed entirely by the user. This dynamic configuration allows the user to switch between having sock coverage (for protection and hygiene) and a completely sockless look (for comfort and style) at any time, providing flexibility to adapt to different situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If insole-sock inserts use permanent attachment methods, then they maintain stable position, but they cannot be washed or adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable positionVSAvoidwashability and adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into two separable components: an insole portion and a sock portion. This segmentation allows both parts to be easily removed and washed separately, maintaining hygiene while allowing the user to adjust or replace individual components as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism transitions from static (permanent bonding) to dynamic (friction-based holding that allows easy separation). This dynamic design enables the components to be easily detached for washing, drying, and adjustment while maintaining stable attachment during normal use through friction and anatomical fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11470916B2Insole-sock insert for footwear

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 DAVILA MORENO HORACIO

AI summary

The implementation improves in the best possible way the integration between the insole and a modified sock, different than those currently known. The present implementation describes an insole-sock type insert for shoes, which presents a novel configuration that consists of an insole, which has a short, medium, or modified sock attached to it, totally or partially, within the extension of the insole; a short, medium, or modified sock, partially attached to the insole, remaining loose or free in the front part where the toes go and/or part of the instep as well as the front part of the foot, and; an attachment mechanism between the insole and the short, medium, or modified sock, which allows for their attachment, where such mechanism is a seam, Velcro, adhesive, or any other type of method that has the same function.