Pivotable Inner Heel Wall for Footwear Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current performance footwear often compromises between comfort, adaptability, and performance features like stability and cushioning, and lacks a cost-effective manufacturing process for multiple-use applications.
Innovation Solution
The design of an article of footwear with a sole structure and upper featuring a pivotable inner heel wall that transitions between upright and folded positions, allowing for adjustable heel support and comfort, combined with a durable and breathable construction using materials like olefin block copolymer foam and silicone rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the footwear uses a fixed rigid heel structure, then stability and support are improved, but adaptability and comfort for multiple uses deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is designed with a pivotable inner heel wall that can rotate between an upright position (providing rigid support for athletic activities) and a folded position (providing flexibility for casual wear). This dynamic structure allows the footwear to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel counter is divided into an outer heel wall and an inner heel wall that can move independently. The inner heel wall is pivotably connected to the outer heel wall, allowing it to rotate relative to the outer structure. This segmentation enables the inner wall to provide support when needed while being stowed when not needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the footwear includes multiple components for adaptability, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is segmented into an outer heel wall and an inner heel wall connected by a pivot connection. This segmentation allows the inner wall to move independently to provide adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable inner heel wall serves multiple functions: it provides rigid support during athletic activities when in the upright position, and it folds away during casual wear to provide flexibility. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without requiring entirely separate structures for different uses.
3Reliability
If the footwear uses heavy durable materials, then durability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear uses different materials with appropriate properties in different locations: the outsole uses abrasion-resistant rubber for durability in high-wear areas, the midsole uses lightweight foam for cushioning, and the upper uses breathable mesh fabric. This local quality approach provides durability where needed while minimizing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear combines multiple materials with complementary properties: rubber for abrasion resistance, foam for cushioning and lightness, mesh fabric for breathability, and thermoplastic polyurethane for structural support. This composite material approach achieves durability and performance while keeping weight manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper connected to the sole, and an insole positioned within a foot cavity. The upper includes an outer shell extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, the outer shell including an outer heel wall defining an upper perimeter. A bootie is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. The bootie is free floating relative to the outer shell within the heel region. The booting includes an inner heel cup configured to be moved between an upright position and a folded position. A posterior wall of the inner heel cup extends above the upper perimeter of the outer heel wall when the inner heel cup is in the upright position. The posterior wall of the inner heel cup is laid against the insole when the inner heel cup is in the folded position.