Perforated Layered Shoe Upper for Localized Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe uppers have varying stiffness levels, with areas lacking a third layer being less stiff, but there is a need to further reduce stiffness locally to enhance followability during foot movements.
Innovation Solution
The upper incorporates a low stiffness region with holes in the first and second layers where the third layer is absent, allowing for reduced stiffness by omitting the third layer in specific areas, particularly in the forefoot and midfoot regions, to improve flexibility and followability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the third layer is omitted in specific areas to reduce stiffness, then the followability of the upper with respect to bending and twisting of the foot is improved, but the structural strength and support of the upper may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is designed with different stiffness characteristics in different regions: the first layer and second layer are disposed with a gap in the forefoot portion (low stiffness region) to improve followability, while the third layer connecting these layers is disposed in the midfoot portion (high stiffness region) to provide structural support. This local differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between followability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper is segmented into multiple functional layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different configurations in different regions. The first and second layers are separated in the forefoot portion to reduce stiffness, while the third layer connects them in the midfoot portion to provide support, creating a segmented structure that simultaneously achieves both followability and structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first layer and second layer are disposed with a gap to reduce stiffness, then the flexibility and deformation capability of the upper is improved, but the stability and support of the upper may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the first layer and second layer is localized to the forefoot portion where flexibility is needed, while the third layer is disposed in the midfoot portion to provide stability. This local differentiation allows the upper to have both flexibility for deformation and stability for support in appropriate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The third layer acts as an intermediary element that connects the first layer and second layer in the midfoot portion, providing structural support and stability. In the forefoot portion, the absence of the third layer allows the first and second layers to move independently, improving flexibility. The third layer thus serves as a mediator that enables both flexibility and stability in different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper includes an upper body covering the instep of a foot. An upper body includes a first layer, a second layer disposed with a gap from the first layer, and a third layer connecting the first layer and the second layer. A part of the upper body is disposed with a low stiffness region having lower stiffness than an adjacent region. At least a part of the low stiffness region has a point in which the third layer is not disposed. A plurality of holes is disposed in at least a part of a portion of the first layer and the second layer of the low stiffness region corresponding to the point in which the third layer is not disposed.