Sandal Strap Sliding Securing Mechanism for Heel Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sandals designed for walking often have the heel come off the sole, leading to discomfort and instability, and existing solutions like extending rear straps or using buckles are either ineffective or difficult to use, especially for children and those with mobility issues.

Innovation Solution

A sandal design featuring a first strap for the heel and a second strap for the instep, with sliding securing means that allow the second strap to assume two positions: a shod position to keep the heel flat on the sole and a retracted position for easy foot entry/exit, using loops and frictional materials to secure the straps in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rear strap is extended forward and crossed at the instep, then the heel retention is improved, but the plating is not permanent and a gap appears when the foot rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel retentionVSAvoidpermanent plating

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic strap system with sliding securing means that can transition between a retracted position (for foot insertion) and a shod position (for heel retention). The second strap is stretched over the instep in the shod position, creating tension that maintains permanent plating of the heel on the sole during walking, eliminating the gap issue while preserving ease of entry/exit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a buckle and tightening strap are used to connect the rear strap strands, then the heel retention is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel retentionVSAvoidease of fastening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex buckle mechanism from the sandal design and replaces it with a simplified sliding securing system. The securing means comprise at least one loop surrounding the first strap, allowing the second strap to be easily adjusted and secured without requiring buckles, tongues, or notches. This maintains heel retention while dramatically improving ease of operation for all users including children.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a thin tightening strap and buckle are used, then the heel retention is improved, but the strap imprints in the skin causing pain and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel retentionVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a second strap that is stretched over the instep in the shod position, distributing pressure across a broader area of the instep rather than concentrating it on a thin tightening strap. The sliding securing means with loops provide retention without requiring thin, pressure-concentrating components, thereby eliminating skin imprinting and irritation while maintaining heel security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If the sliding securing means are used to adjust the second strap position, then the adaptability to foot morphology is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to foot morphologyVSAvoidcomplexity of securing means

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the strap system into distinct functional components: a first strap for heel retention, a second strap for instep support that can be positioned independently, and sliding securing means with loops that enable easy adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while providing overall adaptability to different foot morphologies without excessive complexity.

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

Ensures comfortable and secure heel-to-sole contact, easy adjustment for different foot morphologies, and simplified donning/doffing, reducing the risk of irritation and marks from straps.

Implementation Method 1

said securing means comprise at least one loop surrounding said first strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2613654B1Sandal and corresponding manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2017.09.06 LA MARINE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a sandal including a first heel-supporting strap arranged so as to bear against the back of said heel, and at least a second strap which forms a portion of the vamp, which is to be applied at least partially over the instep, and one end of which is rigidly connected to the sole. According to the invention, such a sandal includes means for rigidly connecting a portion of said second strap to the first strap substantially in the vicinity of the second end of said second strap, wherein said means are slidably mounted on the first strap so as to assume at least two positions: a wearing position, substantially vertically perpendicular to said heel, in which the second strap is tensioned and urges the bottom of said heel against the sole; and at least one stowed position in which said second strap is loose, enabling the foot to be at least partially withdrawn from, or conversely inserted into, said sandal.