Modular Shoe Locking Structure for Disassembly and Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes are difficult to disassemble and recycle due to permanent connections between the sole and upper, leading to premature disposal and inadequate recycling of components.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoe design featuring male and female elements with complementary locking features, allowing for secure assembly and easy disassembly through transverse engagement and disengagement of locking protrusions and recesses, facilitating component replacement and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper is permanently stitched or bonded to the sole structure, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of disassembly and recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into separable components (upper and sole) connected through modular elements. The upper arrangement and sole structure are segmented into distinct parts that can be independently replaced, enabling disassembly while maintaining connection strength during use through the locking feature mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between upper and sole transitions from static permanent bonding to dynamic removable connection. The locking features provide stable connection during normal use but allow controlled disassembly when needed, making the system adaptable to different operational states (wearing vs. recycling/repair).
2Reliability
If conventional permanent shoe construction is used, then the reliability of the shoe structure is improved, but the adaptability for component replacement and recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are designed with universal engagement characteristics that provide reliable structural connection during normal use while simultaneously enabling easy disassembly for component replacement or recycling. The same locking mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the structure, allowing repair, and facilitating recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding and recovery of shoe components. When the sole wears out, only the sole needs to be removed and replaced while retaining the upper, and vice versa. The locking features facilitate this selective component replacement and material recovery for recycling purposes.
3Ease of operation
If fasteners or zips are used to removably connect upper to sole, then the ease of disassembly is improved, but the connection strength under demanding forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional fasteners and zips are replaced with a locking feature mechanism that uses complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses) to create secure mechanical interlocking. This substitution provides both the ease of disassembly through simple engagement/disengagement while achieving superior connection strength through the interlocking geometry that resists forces during demanding activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe comprising a sole comprising a female element; and an upper arrangement comprising a corresponding male element configured to be received in the female element upon insertion in an insertion direction. The male and female elements comprise complementary locking features including a first locking feature being provided on a peripheral surface of one of the male or female elements, and a second locking feature being provided on a peripheral surface of the other of the male or female elements. The first locking feature comprises a protrusion that protrudes in a direction transverse to the insertion direction, and the second locking feature comprises a locking recess. The locking protrusion is configured to engage with the locking recess as the male element is inserted into the female element, thereby locking the sole to the upper arrangement.