Shoe Accessory Flange Design for Foam Shoe Hole Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe accessories for foam shoes, particularly those with trapezoidal holes, face issues such as stress on the holes due to insertion and removal of charms, and the presence of dirt and debris entering through side holes, which can damage the shoe over time.
Innovation Solution
A shoe accessory with an outer flange, an inner flange, and a connecting portion, where the inner flange is configured to be inserted through a polygonal hole in the shoe, and the connecting portion provides a friction fit to prevent dirt and debris from entering, while minimizing stress on the hole during installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a circular-shaped base charm is forced into a hole, then the charm is secured in place, but the hole material is stretched and damaged over time
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is divided into two separate components: an inner flange that inserts through the hole and an outer flange that remains outside. This segmentation allows the inner flange to be sized to match the hole dimensions precisely, avoiding excessive stretching of the hole material while still providing secure attachment through the connecting portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer flanges. It provides the necessary attachment mechanism without requiring the hole material to be stretched, as the connecting portion bridges the gap between the two flanges and secures the accessory in place through alternative means.
2Ease of operation
If holes are left open for accessibility, then accessories can be easily attached, but dirt and debris enter the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The outer flange is extracted as a separate component that remains outside the shoe, covering the opening created by the inner flange insertion. This extraction allows the hole to be accessed for accessory attachment while the outer flange prevents dirt and debris from entering the shoe through the same opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer flange functions as a protective shell or barrier that covers the hole opening. This flexible structure allows the hole to remain accessible for accessory attachment while simultaneously blocking dirt and debris from entering the shoe interior.
3Reliability
If a single integral piece charm is used, then the charm is securely attached, but insertion and removal stress the hole in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the accessory into inner and outer flanges connected by a connecting portion, the design eliminates the need for a single integral piece that would stress the hole in all directions. The inner flange can be inserted through the hole with minimal stress, and the outer flange provides secure attachment without requiring additional stretching or compression of the hole material.
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 accessory effectively prevents dirt and debris from entering the shoe while reducing stress on the holes, thereby extending the lifespan of the foam shoe and maintaining its quality.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting portion provides a friction fit to prevent dirt and debris from entering
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe accessory is provided that can be removably attached to a polygonal hole of a shoe. The shoe accessory may include an outer flange having a first length, an inner flange having a second length greater than the first length, and a connecting portion spacing the outer flange from the inner flange. The connecting portion may have a polygonal cross-section. The inner flange may be configured to be inserted through the polygonal hole. The connecting portion may be configured to be disposed within the polygonal hole. The outer flange may be configured to be disposed adjacent an outer surface of the shoe. The outer flange may further include a face whereby a member may be disposed on the face with an adhesive to customize the shoe accessory with indicia, graphics, colors, and a combination thereof. A related shoe accessory kit and method of inserting the shoe accessory is provided.