Seamless Waterproof Shoe Liner Assembly Without Seam Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Waterproof garments, such as shoes, often suffer from weakened waterproof integrity due to stitched seams, which require additional waterproof tape to seal, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving seamless liners made of water-permeable materials coated with a curable resin to form a waterproof layer, with a second liner protecting the resin and potentially additional external coverings, eliminating the need for seam sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stitched seams are used to join waterproof laminate pieces, then the bootie can be assembled from multiple pieces, but the waterproof integrity is weakened requiring additional waterproof tape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the seam sealing requirement by extracting the stitched seam construction approach and replacing it with a seamless bootie design. The bootie is formed as a single continuous piece of waterproof laminate, eliminating the need for seam sealing tape and the associated compromises in waterproof integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shoe construction into two distinct parts: a seamless bootie liner made from continuous waterproof laminate, and a separate upper portion. This segmentation allows the bootie to maintain its seamless, waterproof integrity while the upper can be constructed from traditional materials, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliable waterproofing.
2Reliability
If waterproof tape is applied to seal seams, then the bootie achieves waterproof status, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional materials and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the waterproof tape requirement by extracting the seam sealing function from the construction process. By using a seamless bootie design, the waterproofing function is integrated into the bootie itself rather than being added as a separate material layer, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the need for waterproof tape as a separate material and process step. The waterproofing function is recovered and integrated directly into the bootie construction through the use of continuous waterproof laminate, eliminating the need for additional sealing materials and associated manufacturing steps.
3Reliability
If additional waterproof tape is applied to repair faults, then the waterproof integrity is restored, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fault condition that would require repair tape by using a seamless bootie design. Without seams, there are no potential failure points that would require additional sealing tape for repairs, thereby eliminating the cost increase associated with fault correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using continuous waterproof laminate that inherently resists faults and leaks. This preventive approach eliminates the need for corrective tape applications, as the seamless construction prevents faults from occurring in the first place, thereby avoiding additional manufacturing costs.
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
This approach enhances waterproof integrity while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional waterproof tape and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The first liner is coated with a resin. The resin is then cured. Thus, the first liner is rendered waterproof by the cured resin layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof garment, such as a shoe, is formed from a first seamless circular knitted liner, which is coated with resin and cured to form a waterproof layer. The first liner is fitted within a second seamless circular knitted liner. In the case of a shoe, a sole can be attached and a reliably waterproof shoe is thereby provided which can be efficiently manufactured. In another embodiment, the combined liners are used as a waterproof lining for a shoe upper.