Removable Dot Array for Customizable Footwear Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal article identification systems, such as footwear, lack customizable and interchangeable designs that do not compromise durability or performance, with removable inserts often being novelty-focused and weakening the sole.

Innovation Solution

A personal article identification system featuring a substrate with a removable two-dimensional patterned array of dots, where each dot exposes a contrasting underlying indicia when removed, allowing for customizable designs without adhesives or tools, using intermediary layers like adhesive, static cling, or magnetic forces for securement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If removable inserts are used for identification, then customization is enabled, but durability and performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiddurability and performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into a permanent substrate layer and removable dot elements. The substrate remains permanently attached to the footwear to maintain structural integrity, while only the decorative dot elements are removable for customization. This segmentation allows customization without compromising the durability of the underlying substrate and footwear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary adhesive layer is introduced between the substrate and the dot elements. This intermediary layer enables the dots to be removably attached and detached without damaging the substrate or footwear, facilitating customization while preserving the integrity and performance of the underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transparent windows are created in the sole, then identification display is enabled, but structural strength is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification display capabilityVSAvoidsidewall strength and sole durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating actual transparent windows in the sole, the invention uses opaque or translucent dot elements that visually overlay and represent identification information. These dot copies provide the identification display function without requiring physical openings in the sole structure, thereby maintaining full structural strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers are attached for identification, then customization options increase, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoidinterchangeability and ease of modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the identification elements into individual removable dots rather than requiring removal of entire multi-layer assemblies. Users can selectively remove and replace individual dot elements to change designs, making the customization process simple and intuitive while maintaining multiple customization options through different dot combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy and reversible customization of personal articles like footwear without affecting their performance or durability, allowing users to create unique designs and patterns without damaging the item.

Implementation Method 1

using intermediary layers like adhesive, static cling, or magnetic forces for securement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

using intermediary layers like adhesive, static cling, or magnetic forces for securement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic cling: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

using intermediary layers like adhesive, static cling, or magnetic forces for securement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic forces: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10482793B2Personal article identification system

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 HURLEY BRYAN

AI summary

A personal article identification system includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is configured to be secured to a personal article and the top surface of the substrate having a first indicia. The system also includes a top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top layer overlaying the substrate and has a second indicia. The second indicia is different than the first indicia. An intermediary layer is between the substrate and the top layer. In addition, the system includes a plurality of dots forming a two dimensional patterned array in the top layer, where each of the dots is removably attached to the substrate via the intermediary layer, and when removed expose the underlying first indicia of the top surface of the substrate to create a design element in the two dimensional patterned array.