Modular Shoe Frame With Interchangeable Profile Outer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports shoes lack an efficient and adaptable solution for changing terrain and weather conditions, as current designs require either switching to a different shoe or time-consuming adjustments of profile elements, and existing covers lack sufficient sturdiness and compatibility with profile elements.

Innovation Solution

A modular shoe design featuring a sock-like outer shoe that can be easily rearranged around a frame, with profile elements that form a form-fitting engagement, allowing for quick changes in properties such as waterproofness and stability without the need for extensive reconfiguration or additional sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If profile elements are permanently connected to the sole, then sturdiness is improved, but adaptability to different terrain conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesturdinessVSAvoidadaptability to terrain conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe is divided into a base shoe with sole and an separate outer shoe with profile elements. The outer shoe can be detached and replaced depending on terrain conditions, while the base shoe remains. This segmentation allows the profile elements to be changed without replacing the entire shoe, maintaining sturdiness through the base shoe while improving adaptability through interchangeable outer shoes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the outer shoe and base shoe is made dynamically changeable through releasable fastening means (such as Velcro fasteners, zippers, or laces). This allows the user to quickly attach or detach the outer shoe with profile elements suited for current terrain conditions, transforming the static shoe into a dynamic system that adapts to changing environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If profile elements are releasably connected (e.g., screw-in studs), then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of profile elementsVSAvoidease of adjusting profile elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of individually adjusting multiple screw-in studs, the profile elements are grouped together on the outer shoe as a single unit. The user only needs to perform one fastening or unfastening action to change all profile elements simultaneously, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple profile elements that would otherwise require individual adjustment are merged into a single integrated outer shoe component. This combining of multiple adjustment operations into one action resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If shoe covers are used to modify shoe properties, then adaptability is improved, but sturdiness deteriorates due to loose connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of shoe coversVSAvoidsturdiness of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening connection between the outer shoe and base shoe is designed to be dynamically adjustable and securely engageable. Using robust fastening means such as Velcro fasteners, zippers, or lacing systems ensures that the connection can be made very secure when needed, providing sturdiness comparable to permanent connections while retaining the adaptability to remove or change the outer shoe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3549469B1Modular shoe
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 ADIDAS AG
  • EP3549469B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3549469B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP3549469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a modular shoe (100, 900, 1200, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) in particular a sports shoe, with a sock like outer shoe (150, 950, 1250, 1750, 1850, 1950, 2050) and a frame (110, 910, 1210, 1710, 1810, 1910, 2010). The sock like outer shoe is provided for a releasable arrangement around the frame. The sock like outer shoe may comprise a plurality of profile elements (165, 965, 1265, 1765, 1865, 1965, 2065), wherein at least one of the profile elements extends from an outer side of the sock like outer shoe. A region of the at least one of the profile elements may be configured to releasably engage in a form-fitting manner with a lower side of the frame of the modular shoe.