Segmented Shoe Sole Pillar Structure for Flexible Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing shoe soles are costly and limited in design flexibility, as they require dedicated molds and result in midsoles with limited flexibility due to their formation as a single element.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of multiple pillar pieces bonded to a shoe sole fabric, where plates of different thicknesses are cut and laminated to form a flexible structure without the need for separate molds, allowing for various designs and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated mold is used to produce shoe soles, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole is divided into multiple pillar pieces that can be independently arranged and bonded to the shoe sole fabric. Each pillar piece is formed separately from plates of different thicknesses, allowing for precise control of each component's dimensions and shape without requiring a complex dedicated mold for the entire sole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses a universal approach where plates of different thicknesses can be used to form various pillar pieces with different functions. The same basic process can produce different pillar piece configurations for different shoe designs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated molds for each design variation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the midsole is formed as a single element, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability for design changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The midsole structure is segmented into multiple pillar pieces that can be independently arranged and bonded to the shoe sole fabric. This segmentation allows for flexible design changes by simply rearranging or reconfiguring the pillar pieces without requiring complete remolding of the entire midsole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The midsole transitions from a static single-element structure to a dynamic configuration where pillar pieces can be independently arranged and reconfigured. This allows the midsole to adapt to different design requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standardized plate materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pillar pieces are used to enhance flexibility, then adaptability for design changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole structure is divided into multiple pillar pieces that can be independently arranged and bonded to the shoe sole fabric. Each pillar piece is formed from plates of different thicknesses, allowing for flexible design configurations while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pillar pieces are merged and bonded to the shoe sole fabric to create the final flexible structure. This combining process allows for enhanced flexibility and design adaptability while the individual pillar pieces remain relatively simple components that can be manufactured using standardized processes.
4Manufacturing precision
If plates of different thicknesses are used, then manufacturing precision for different components is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe sole is divided into multiple pillar pieces with different thickness requirements. By using plates of different thicknesses for different pillar pieces, the method achieves precise control of each component's thickness while minimizing material waste through targeted thickness selection rather than uniform thickness throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shoe sole are assigned different plate thicknesses based on local functional requirements. This local quality approach allows for precise thickness control in areas requiring it while using thinner material in areas where less thickness is needed, thereby reducing overall material waste.
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 enables the creation of shoe soles with enhanced flexibility and various design options, reducing production costs while maintaining structural stability through the use of independently arranged pillar pieces and a protective cover.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first laminate, wherein the plate for a protective cover is disposed on an upper surface of the plate for a pillar piece
Implementation Method 2
the first pieces of cut material and the second pieces of cut material are moved upward by the protrusions for a piece of cut material
Implementation Method 3
a pre-cut fabric is bonded to an upper portion of the second laminate to form the fabric-bonded laminate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for producing a shoe sole. The shoe sole includes: a shoe sole fabric having the form of a sole; a protective cover having the form corresponding to the form of the shoe sole fabric and bonded to a lower surface of the shoe sole fabric with a plurality of pillar through holes vertically penetrating the protective cover; and a plurality of pillar pieces passing through the plurality of pillar through holes, and bonded to the lower surface of the shoe sole fabric and arranged in a form of protruding downward from the protective cover.