Segmented Slip-Resistant Shoe with Recesses for Ventilation and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip resistant shoes for exercises like yoga and barre, and for hospital use, face issues with slippage and pressure points, and lack sufficient ventilation and drainage, making them uncomfortable and ineffective for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel shoe design featuring recesses in the sides, top, and bottom made of a proprietary stretchy and resilient material that provides grip without pressure points, allows for ventilation and drainage, and is puncture-resistant, with optional open toe regions and drainage routes for comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional slip resistant shoes are used for yoga and barre exercises, then slippage is reduced, but pressure points are created making the shoe uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into multiple recesses (toe recess, heel recess, midfoot recess) that segment the contact surface, allowing different zones to conform to different foot contours and reduce pressure concentration at any single point while maintaining overall slip resistance
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shoe have different properties - the recesses provide localized compliance and conformability to reduce pressure points, while the material composition and outsole design maintain slip resistance in critical areas
2Reliability
If conventional slip resistant shoes are used for water sports, then basic protection is provided, but drainage and ventilation are insufficient making them uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe incorporates multiple recesses and drainage channels that create porous pathways for water to flow through, enabling efficient drainage while maintaining structural integrity and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous material is segmented into multiple recessed regions that create channels and pathways for air circulation and water drainage, improving ventilation and drainage while maintaining protective coverage
3Reliability
If conventional slip resistant shoes are used for hospital settings, then basic slip resistance is provided, but puncture resistance and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe combines a compliant upper material that conforms to the foot for comfort with a puncture-resistant midsole or outsole layer, creating a composite structure that provides both comfort and protection against punctures while maintaining slip resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe structure is segmented into distinct layers with different functions - the upper provides comfort and conformability, while the lower layers provide puncture resistance and slip resistance, allowing each layer to optimize its specific function
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
The shoe effectively prevents slippage and punctures, maintains foot comfort, and supports balance and posture during exercises, making it suitable for diverse applications including yoga, water sports, and hospital settings with improved traction and durability.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for more stretching and conforming to the foot of the person exercising, without enclosing their foot entirely and giving more air to prevent foot sweating
Implementation Method 2
These same recesses also provide sufficient drainage routes to make these shoes into good swimming shoes
Implementation Method 3
it grips a floor surface just enough so that the person exercising will not experience slippage during technical exercise maneuvers
Implementation Method 4
a proprietary stretchy and resilient material that provides grip without pressure points
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a novel non-slip grippy ventilated shoe made of a slip resistant material with a failure mode of from 1 to 50 Newtons/millimeter, and is generally made of a cage-like configuration to provide maximum slip resistance as well as ventilation with minimum structure, just sufficient enough structure to allow the shoe to provide grip on a surface. The shoe is useful in performing floor exercises such as barre, yoga and pilates among other applications such as water sports like surfing where grip is important, or for hospital settings for fall risk patients to alleviate the risk of falling.