PP Spunbonded Footwear Insert for Odor and Sweat Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe inserts fail to effectively absorb sweat, odor, and dirt, and provide adequate traction and secure adhesion, especially in open-toe shoes, while also causing discomfort due to latex foam and inadequate odor control, and often leave adhesive residue or damage shoe insoles.

Innovation Solution

A disposable shoe insert made of PP Spunbonded nonwoven material with a high coefficient of friction on the top surface and an anti-slip adhesive coating on the bottom, designed for temporary adhesion and easy removal, available in various colors and patterns to match different shoe styles, ensuring secure placement and hygiene without bulkiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable inserts are used for shorter use periods, then foot hygiene and odor control are improved, but the frequency of replacement increases leading to higher long-term cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot hygiene effectivenessVSAvoidreplacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable shoe inserts made from inexpensive PP spunbonded nonwoven material that can be easily discarded after short-term use. This allows users to frequently replace inserts to maintain foot hygiene without significant cost burden, as the disposable nature eliminates cleaning and maintenance requirements while providing consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If latex foam inserts are used for odor control, then deodorant effectiveness is improved, but foot irritation and allergic reactions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor control effectivenessVSAvoidfoot irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from latex foam to PP spunbonded nonwoven fabric, fundamentally altering the chemical composition to eliminate latex allergens while maintaining the physical structure needed for odor control and moisture absorption. This material substitution removes the harmful allergic response while preserving the functional benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insert combines multiple functional layers including PP spunbonded nonwoven material for moisture absorption, anti-microbial agents for odor control, and adhesive coatings for secure attachment. This composite structure integrates odor control functionality with skin-safe materials, achieving deodorant effectiveness without the irritations associated with latex foam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive is used to secure inserts in open shoes, then insert stability is improved, but adhesive residue and shoe damage worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert position stabilityVSAvoidadhesive residue
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the adhesive parameters by using a low-tack, residue-free adhesive formulation that provides sufficient holding power for open shoes during wear but easily removes without leaving residue or damaging the shoe insole. This parameter adjustment allows the adhesive to provide temporary stability that is easily reversible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insert incorporates various colors and patterns including neutral tones and vibrant hues that match different shoe styles, making the insert aesthetically pleasing and fashionable while maintaining its functional adhesive properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If foam or plastic inserts are used for cushioning, then comfort is improved, but moisture absorption and odor control worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot comfortVSAvoidmoisture absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs PP spunbonded nonwoven material which inherently possesses a porous structure that allows for superior moisture absorption and breathability compared to solid foam or plastic inserts. The porous architecture enables sweat vapor to pass through while the material maintains its cushioning properties, simultaneously achieving comfort and moisture management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The insert combines PP spunbonded nonwoven material with integrated anti-microbial agents and moisture-wicking properties to create a composite structure that provides both cushioning comfort and active moisture absorption. This composite approach merges the mechanical comfort of cushioning materials with the moisture management capabilities of porous, breathable fabrics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Reliability

If high-friction material is used on top surface, then traction is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot tractionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high friction and traction by utilizing the inherent surface properties of PP spunbonded nonwoven material, which naturally provides a high coefficient of friction. This eliminates the need for additional traction-enhancing layers or complex surface treatments, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while delivering superior foot grip and preventing slippage during wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The disposable insert effectively reduces odor and moisture, minimizes bacterial growth, provides better traction, and prevents foot slippage, while being easy to use and remove without damaging the shoe, promoting frequent exchange and enhancing foot hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

PP spunbonded nonwoven material or the like that has a high coefficient of friction... keeping a wearer's foot clean by absorbing sweat, odor and dirt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

absorbing sweat, odor and dirt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

an anti-slip adhesive coating on the bottom, designed for temporary adhesion and easy removal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

the top surface having a high coefficient of friction for providing good traction to the bottom of the wearer's foot during wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9924764B2Disposable insert for footwear
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 CAZAREZ RACHELE
  • US9924764B2 patent drawing
  • US9924764B2 patent drawing
  • US9924764B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A disposable insert for footwear comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The top and bottom surfaces are substantially thin and made of PP spunbonded nonwoven materials to keep a wearer's foot clean by absorbing sweat, odor and dirt. The top surface has a high coefficient of friction to provide good traction to the bottom of the wearer's foot during wear, especially for those individuals whose feet tend to sweat often while wearing shoes. The bottom surface has an anti-slip adhesive coating for allowing the insert to adequately grip the insole of a shoe without leaving a residue that could damage the wearer's shoe when removed, yet easily moveable in shoes as necessary. The present invention also provides a disposable insert composed of different colors and patterns to satisfy the fashionable preferences of the wearers.