Pivotable Footwear Sole Structure for Hands-Free Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional footwear requires the use of hands to stretch the ankle opening and adjust the fit, making it difficult to put on and take off without manual assistance.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure with separate front and rear midsole components connected by a hinge-like connecting member that allows the sole to pivot between an open access position and a closed use position, enabling hands-free entry and exit by utilizing an elastic biasing member for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional footwear structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual assistance for putting on and taking off
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into separate front and rear portions that can pivot relative to each other. The rear portion can rotate independently to open the ankle opening for easy foot insertion and removal, while the front portion maintains normal footwear function. This segmentation allows hands-free operation without requiring complex mechanical systems throughout the entire footwear.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole incorporates a dynamic pivot connection between the front and rear portions, allowing the rear sole to rotate from a closed position (during normal wear) to an open position (for foot insertion/removal). This dynamic mechanism enables automatic opening and closing actions without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the ankle opening is made stretchable for easy insertion, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of fit deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining secure fit
Solution Approach 1:
The rear sole is pre-configured in a closed position that automatically closes and secures the ankle opening after foot insertion. The elastic biasing member maintains the rear sole in this closed, secure position, ensuring reliable fit without requiring manual adjustment. The system performs the securing action automatically as the foot is inserted, eliminating the need for hands-on fit adjustment.
3Reliability
If manual stretching of ankle opening is used, then secure fit is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring hand assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear system performs self-service by automatically opening the ankle opening through the pivotable rear sole mechanism. When the foot is inserted, the rear sole rotates to close and secure the opening without requiring manual stretching or adjustment. The elastic biasing member provides the necessary force for this automatic securing action, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining reliable fit.
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
Facilitates easy, hands-free placement and removal of footwear by allowing the sole to pivot and adjust automatically, providing a secure and comfortable fit without the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic biasing member that biases the heel footbed toward the use position
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole structure that has a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. A connecting member connects the front midsole component to the rear midsole component. The connecting member defines a groove at a lower side of the sole structure between the front midsole component and the rear midsole component. The front midsole component and the rear midsole component are pivotable relative to one another at the groove between a use position and an access position. Confronting surfaces of the connecting member at the groove are closer to one another in the access position than in the use position so that the groove is relatively open in the use position, and the groove is relatively closed in the access position.