Semi-Transparent Outsole Window for Visible Sock Linner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe manufacturing methods require skilled labor for assembly, leading to quality control issues and increased costs, while prior-art documents fail to enhance functional or aesthetic properties of shoes during mass production.
Innovation Solution
A shoe configuration featuring a semi-transparent outsole member made of thermoplastic resin, integrated with a sock-like upper member, allowing for visible sock liner customization and improved air permeability, weight reduction, and aesthetic appeal through a welded structure and specific material compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shoes are manufactured by assembling separately produced parts manually, then customization and aesthetic properties can be improved, but skilled labor is required causing quality control issues and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outsole member and upper member into a single integrated structure through integral molding. The outsole member includes a window portion that exposes the interior space where the sock liner is positioned, combining structural support, aesthetic display, and customization functions into one component. This eliminates the need for manual assembly of separate parts while maintaining quality consistency through automated molding processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a semi-transparent outsole member is used to make the sock liner visible, then aesthetic properties and customization are improved, but the structural integrity and protection functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole member features localized transparency only in the window portion where aesthetic display is desired, while other portions maintain full opacity for structural integrity. The window portion is strategically positioned to expose the sock liner for visual effect without compromising the overall strength and protective functions of the outsole. This localized application of transparency resolves the contradiction between aesthetic customization and structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outsole member is made completely transparent to maximize visibility, then aesthetic properties are improved, but weight increases due to additional material and reduced pigment dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole member applies transparency selectively only in the window portion rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized transparency minimizes the amount of material and pigment reduction needed, thereby reducing the weight increase that would result from making the entire outsole transparent. The window portion provides the desired visibility and aesthetic effect while maintaining weight efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly of separate shoe parts is used, then flexibility in assembly is maintained, but productivity decreases and running costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shoe components into a single integral molded structure, enabling automated high-speed production through injection molding or similar processes. This eliminates the need for manual assembly operations while maintaining design flexibility through modular window portions and interchangeable sock liners. The integration dramatically increases productivity and reduces running costs associated with manual labor.
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 mass production of shoes with enhanced functional and aesthetic properties, improved shock absorbency, and easier quality control by integrating the outsole member with the upper member using a welded structure, while allowing for customizable sock liner visibility and varied aesthetic designs.
Implementation Method 1
The window portion 20 is made of a semi-transparent material, and this makes at least the side surface 32 on the lateral foot section and further makes the bottom surface 34, etc. of the sock liner 3 in the interior space S visible through the semi-transparent window portion 20.
Implementation Method 2
integrating the outsole member with the upper member using a welded structure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A shoe includes: an upper member containing a knit fabric, a knit-like fabric, and/or a woven fabric as a primary member and forming a part of a medial side surface, a part of a lateral side surface, and a part of a back surface; an outsole member made of thermoplastic resin and forming a bottom portion including a contact surface, and a peripheral portion attached at least partially to respective lower parts of the medial and lateral side surfaces and a lower part of the back surface and connected to the bottom portion; and a sock liner inserted in interior space defined by the upper member and the outsole member. The upper member defines an opening at which at least a part of the lateral side surface is cut. The outsole member includes a window portion covering the opening. The window portion is made of a semi-transparent material that makes at least a part of a lateral side surface of the sock liner in the interior space visible through the window portion covering the opening.