Shoe Adaptation Device Using Segmented Pressure Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adapting prefabricated shoes to a user's foot are either unpleasant for the user due to negative pressure application or require skilled labor, and can lead to undesirable deformation of the shoe sole.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pressure element that encloses the shoe, featuring an inner and outer layer connected over a large area to prevent pressure application in certain regions, allowing air to be introduced to apply pressure externally and adapt the shoe to the foot without deforming the sole, using a controllable pressure system for efficient cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure is applied uniformly to the entire shoe surface using a pressure element, then the shoe can be adapted to the user's foot, but the shoe sole deforms undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe adaptation to footVSAvoidsole shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element is designed with differentiated regions: a first region with sealed inner and outer layers that applies pressure to the shoe upper, and a second region with connected layers that prevents pressure application to the shoe sole. This local differentiation allows selective pressure application to adapt the shoe to the foot while preserving the sole's original shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If vacuum pressure is applied to adapt the shoe to the foot, then the shoe conforms to the foot shape, but the user experiences unpleasant negative pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe conformity to footVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying negative pressure (vacuum) from the inside of the shoe as in prior art, the invention applies positive pressure from the outside using a pressure element. This inverted approach achieves the same adaptation effect while avoiding the unpleasant sensation of vacuum pressure on the user's foot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual pressure application is used to adapt the shoe, then the shoe can be adjusted to the foot, but the process requires skilled workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element is designed to automatically apply pressure to the heated shoe when activated, eliminating the need for manual pressure application by skilled workers. The system self-regulates the pressure application process, making the adaptation procedure simple and reliable even for non-skilled operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stress or pressure

If the pressure element encloses the entire shoe, then uniform pressure can be applied, but the cooling efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element is segmented into distinct functional regions: a sealed first region for pressure application and an open second region for airflow. This segmentation allows the pressure element to maintain its pressure-containing function while providing pathways for air circulation that enhance the cooling efficiency of the heated shoe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simple and reliable adaptation of the shoe to the user's foot by non-skilled workers, maintaining the shoe's geometry and preventing sole deformation, while accelerating cooling through continuous airflow.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-applying fluid being introduced into the cavity, so that the shoe is at least partially adapted to the foot or the leg of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the shoe in the heated state being inserted into an envelope-shaped pressure element substantially enclosing the shoe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoplastic deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the inner and outer layers are connected to one another over a large area in some areas. In the area in which the inner and outer layers are connected to one another over a large area, no pressure-applying fluid can penetrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid barrier: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 4

accelerating cooling through continuous airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2575525B1Apparatus and method for adjusting a shoe

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 FISCHER SPORTS GMBH

AI summary

Apparatus and method by means of which a prefabricated item of footwear (1) consisting, at least in part, of hard thermoplastic material is adapted to a user's foot (7) and/or leg (7'), wherein there is a pressure-exerting element (8) provided, this substantially enclosing the item of footwear (1) and having an accommodating space (13) intended for accommodating the item of footwear (1), wherein the accommodating space (13) is bounded, at least in part, by a deformable material which forms an inner layer (8'') of the pressure-exerting element (8), which contains a cavity (8''') and has an inlet opening (9) provided for the introduction of a pressure-applying fluid.