Modular Sandal with Friction-Lock Buckles for Recyclability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sandals are difficult to recycle due to interconnected materials, and existing modular solutions do not allow for easy disassembly without destruction, hindering the circular economy goal of recycling valuable raw materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular sandal design featuring detachable straps and soles connected via apertures with cam and anchor buckles that use friction-locking mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without seams, welding, or gluing, using standard webbing and biodegradable materials for enhanced recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If straps are connected to sole using traditional methods (seams, welding, gluing), then the sandal structure is strong and stable, but the components cannot be easily separated for recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The sandal is divided into separate components (sole, straps, buckles) that can be independently manufactured and recycled. The connection system uses detachable buckles with apertures in the sole, allowing segmentation of components for recycling while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static permanent connections (seams, welds, glues) to dynamic detachable connections using buckles and apertures. This allows the connection to be strong during wear but easily separated when recycling is needed, adapting the connection state based on operational requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular detachable systems are used with apertures and buckles, then recyclability is improved, but the complexity of the fastening mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle system serves multiple functions: it provides the connection mechanism during use, enables easy disassembly for recycling, and can be configured in different arrangements (single buckle, dual buckles, anchor buckles) to accommodate various strap configurations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the modular approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional interconnected sandal construction is used, then manufacturing is simple, but recycling complexity increases and material recovery is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sandal is segmented into separately manufacturable components (sole, straps, buckles) that can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling efficient recycling through component separation, eliminating the need to dismantle complex interconnected structures.
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 user-friendly assembly and disassembly of sandals, facilitating the recycling of individual components, reducing production costs, and promoting a circular economy by allowing separate recycling of single-variety materials.
Implementation Method 1
The two ends of the at least one strap (2) are either fastened to the strap (2) again by means of at least one of the cam buckles (4) so as to form a loop or are anchored to one of the apertures (5) by means of at least one of the anchor buckles (3), wherein the fastening of at least one cam buckle (4) and/or the at least one anchor buckle (3) is effective by friction-locking
Data Source
AI summary
A sandal having detachable strap fastening, comprising a sole, at least one strap (2), and at least one cam buckle and at least one anchor buckle (5), in which the sandal is modularly constructed and can be easily assembled and disassembled. The sole and the at least one strap are connected to each other by guiding the at least one strap through apertures in the sole, and one end of the at least one strap is secured to the strap by means of one anchor buckle and the other end is secured by means of one cam buckle so as to form a loop. The at least one cam buckle and the at least one anchor buckle function by friction-locking and can be opened manually after closing and are detachable from the at least one strap.