Shoe Back Portion Slit for Easy Foot Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoes, especially tight loafers and laced shoes, are difficult to put on quickly, often requiring a shoehorn or deformation of the shoe, leading to discomfort and damage over time.
Innovation Solution
A pair of shoes with a slit cut in the back portion of the collar that uses separable edges and stretchable material to facilitate easy foot insertion and removal without deforming the shoe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional shoes are made tight and structured, then shoe style and support are improved, but ease of putting on and taking off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back portion of the shoe is segmented by introducing a vertical slit that divides it into two separable portions (first and second portions). This segmentation allows the back of the shoe to open apart when force is applied, creating an expansion mechanism that facilitates easy foot insertion while maintaining the structured appearance when closed.
2Loss of time
If shoes are forced onto quickly, then time is saved, but shoe deformation and collar crushing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe back portion is designed with dynamic characteristics through the slit structure that allows it to transition from a closed state to an open state when force is applied. The two portions can separate and move apart dynamically to accommodate foot insertion, then return to their original positions when the force is removed, preventing permanent deformation.
3Ease of operation
If a shoehorn is used, then ease of putting on shoes is improved, but device complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe structure itself provides the insertion assistance function through its own back portion design. The slit mechanism allows the shoe to open and expand on its own when force is applied, eliminating the need for external tools like shoehorns. The shoe serves its own function of facilitating insertion without requiring additional devices.
4Strength
If the back portion is made rigid for support, then heel support is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slit is positioned specifically in the back portion of the shoe where it is least visible and least likely to affect structural support. This local modification allows the rest of the shoe to maintain its rigid, supportive structure while only the specific back region gains flexibility for insertion purposes.
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 comfortable and quick donning and doffing of shoes without a shoehorn, preventing permanent deformation and heel pain, while maintaining the shoe's original style and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The stretchable material provides elasticity to separate the slit apart when the back-heel of the foot is pushed into the shoe and to pull the slit back together after the foot is inserted into the shoe
Data Source
AI summary
At least one of the pair of shoes has a back portion of the shoe, cut from the collar of the back portion (the top of a shoe above the shoe-heel [the heel of the shoe]), and runs down the back of the shoe. The cut forms a slit running down the back portion of the shoe, forming a right-back portion and a left-back portion of the shoe. The right-side edge of the right-back portion and the left-side edge of the left-back portion are separable from the foot being inserted into the shoe. The right-side edge and the left-side edge return back to their positions when the foot is taken off or when the foot is fully inserted, not overlapping each other when the slit is not separated.