Pattern Element for Selective Heat Bonding in Sports Shoes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for interconnecting components of sporting goods, such as sports shoes, are inefficient due to their inability to account for different material properties and geometries, and are often labor-intensive and energy wasteful.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pattern element with removable non-transparent or non-reflective portions that are irradiated with heat radiation to selectively connect components, allowing for precise heat distribution and energy optimization, using techniques like additive manufacturing or inkjet printing to deposit and remove these portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heat energy is used to interconnect plastic components, then the interconnection strength is improved, but the method cannot account for different material properties and geometries of different components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different material properties and geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a pattern element with selectively removable portions that allow heat radiation to be applied only to specific local areas of the components. This enables different regions to receive different heat treatment based on their material properties and geometric requirements, resolving the contradiction between achieving strong interconnection and adapting to varied component characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern element is segmented into removable and non-removable portions, allowing selective application of heat radiation to different areas. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate different material properties and geometries by adjusting which segments are removed, thereby achieving both strong interconnection and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional heat energy methods are used, then interconnection is achieved, but the process is complicated and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection reliabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern element serves as an intermediary between the heat radiation source and the components. It simplifies the process by pre-defining the heat application pattern through selective removal of portions, eliminating the need for complex control systems to manage different material properties and geometries, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining reliable interconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern element is prepared in advance with specific portions removed to match the required interconnection pattern. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during the heating process, simplifying the overall procedure and reducing labor requirements while ensuring reliable interconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform heat radiation is applied to all components, then the process is simple, but energy is wasted on areas that do not require interconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By using a pattern element with selectively removable portions, the system applies heat radiation only to the specific local areas where interconnection is needed. This maintains process simplicity while eliminating energy waste on areas that do not require bonding, as the pattern element naturally restricts heat application to necessary regions only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This method simplifies the interconnection process, reduces energy waste, and allows for efficient bonding of components with different properties and sizes, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing labor and material costs.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating at least one of the first component and the second component via the pattern element with heat radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The pattern element may comprise an essentially transparent plate, in particular a glass plate being essentially transparent for the heat radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transmission: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11453176B2Pattern element used for interconnecting components of a sporting good

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 ADIDAS AG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for interconnecting components of a sporting good, in particular a sports shoe, and a sports shoe manufactured with such a method. The method may include (a.) forming a pattern element having at least one removable at least partially non-transparent or non-reflective portion, (b.) irradiating at least one of the first and the second component via the pattern element with heat radiation and (c.) interconnecting the irradiated first and second component.