Recyclable Golf Shoe Using Homogeneous TPU Upper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoes often incorporate non-recyclable materials that compromise performance, leading to environmental and social impacts, and existing recyclable options fail to maintain performance standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-performance golf shoes featuring a recyclable assembly composed of 100% thermoplastic urethane (TPU) materials, including a membrane layer, internal A-shaped frame structure, and mesh layer, which are designed to be recycled efficiently without compromising performance, and can be processed into new articles, minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional golf shoes incorporate non-recyclable materials to achieve performance characteristics, then performance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the entire upper assembly constructed from a single material type (thermoplastic polyurethane or TP U), eliminating material complexity. This allows the entire upper to be recycled as one homogeneous material stream while maintaining all necessary performance characteristics through structural design rather than material diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the golf shoe into distinct recyclable components: the upper assembly made of 100% recyclable TPU materials, and the sole assembly that can be separated for recycling. This segmentation enables each component to be recycled through appropriate processes without contamination from other materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If recyclable materials are used in golf shoes to improve recyclability, then recyclability is improved, but performance characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by leveraging the thermoplastic properties of TPU materials. The materials can be melted and reformed through heat treatment, enabling recycling processes while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for golf shoe performance. The crystalline structure of the TPU allows it to be processed and reconfigured without losing functional characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where TPU materials are combined in multi-layer configurations (such as membrane layers, mesh layers, and foam layers) to achieve both recyclability and performance. Each layer can be optimized for specific functions while remaining chemically compatible for unified recycling.
3Reliability
If multiple materials are used in conventional golf shoes to optimize performance, then performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing the upper assembly construction to use only TPU materials, eliminating the need to manage multiple material types. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining performance through optimized TPU formulations and structural designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a recyclable golf shoe. The shoe may comprise an upper and a sole assembly. The upper may comprise: a membrane layer configured to at least partially surround or enclose a foot of a subject wearing the golf shoe; an internal A-shaped frame structure attached or coupled to the membrane layer to structurally support or stiffen the upper; a mesh layer comprising a first side and a second side, the first side attached or coupled to the membrane layer and the internal A-shaped frame structure; and a saddle connected to the second side of the mesh layer. The membrane layer, the internal A-shaped frame structure, the mesh layer, and the saddle may comprise one or more recyclable thermoplastic urethane (TPU) materials that can be processable into another article or component comprising at least one recycled or recyclable TPU material.