Modular Platform Shoe Sole Assembly for Adjustable Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear sole structures lack flexibility in adjusting height and often require complex manufacturing processes, leading to high production costs and limited customization options.
Innovation Solution
A platform shoe design with interchangeable sole, platform, and base members, secured using hook-and-loop fasteners and screw assemblies, allowing users to adjust the shoe's height and configuration easily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear sole structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but height adjustment flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple separable components including a base member, intermediate platform member, and top member, each with specific anchoring shapes. This segmentation enables height adjustment by selecting different combinations of components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring shape interface is designed as a universal connection mechanism that works across all sole components. The same anchoring shape geometry is used to connect the base member to the intermediate platform member, and the intermediate platform member to the top member, enabling flexible configuration while simplifying manufacturing through component standardization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable sole members are used, then customization options increase, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring shapes are pre-formed during manufacturing of each sole component. The base member includes a first anchoring shape, the intermediate platform member includes second and third anchoring shapes, and the top member includes a fourth anchoring shape. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations, as users simply need to align and press the components together.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sole components are used, then height adjustability improves, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables height adjustment by changing the configuration parameters of the sole assembly - specifically, by selecting different numbers and arrangements of intermediate platform members. The anchoring shapes are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow components to be connected in series to achieve different heights, while the standardized geometry keeps manufacturing costs low through economies of scale.
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
Enables customizable height adjustment and simplified assembly, reducing production costs while maintaining structural integrity and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
secured using hook-and-loop fasteners and screw assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A platform shoe has a wearer-determinable configuration. The shoe comprises a footwear upper. A housing bottom member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the housing bottom member defines a housing bottom member anchoring shape. A platform member has a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface, the top platform surface of the platform member defines a platform top anchoring shape. The platform top anchoring shape mates with the housing bottom member anchoring shape. The bottom platform surface of the platform member defines a platform bottom anchoring shape. A base member has a top base surface and a bottom base surface, the top base surface of the base member defines a base top anchoring shape. The base top anchoring shape mates with the platform bottom anchoring shape. The base member is configured to underlie and support the platform member.