Shoe Bite Line Detection Using 3D Surface Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of applying bonding agents to shoe uppers for attaching soles is labor-intensive and prone to errors, as it requires precise application to avoid staining and ensure effective bonding, while also being time-consuming and susceptible to human error.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects and compares three-dimensional surface data of a shoe upper both mated and unmated with a sole to determine the bite line, using a rotation mechanism, sensing assembly with structured light, and computing device to identify the edge intersection, allowing for automated application of bonding agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual process is used to apply bonding agent to shoe upper, then labor flexibility is maintained, but productivity is low and manufacturing precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the shoe upper itself to define the bite line by detecting where the upper material begins to curve or change geometry, eliminating the need for external templates or manual measurement tools. The upper's own geometry serves as the reference for automated bonding agent application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual bonding agent application with an automated optical scanning system that uses structured light to capture three-dimensional surface geometry and automatically determines the bite line for precise bonding agent application.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual application of bonding agent is performed, then adaptability to different shoe designs is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual bonding agent application with an automated optical scanning system that uses structured light to capture three-dimensional surface geometry and automatically determines the bite line for precise bonding agent application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures three-dimensional surface geometry data and analyzes changes in geometric parameters (such as surface curvature, slope, or distance from reference plane) to automatically identify the bite line location where the upper material transitions from vertical to horizontal orientation.
3Reliability
If manual bonding agent application is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the shoe upper itself to define the bite line by detecting where the upper material begins to curve or change geometry, eliminating the need for external templates or manual measurement tools. The upper's own geometry serves as the reference for automated bonding agent application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual bonding agent application with an automated optical scanning system that uses structured light to capture three-dimensional surface geometry and automatically determines the bite line for precise bonding agent application.
4Loss of time
If manual process is used for bite line identification, then device complexity is low, but loss of time and productivity are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs three-dimensional surface scanning and bite line determination before the bonding agent application process begins, allowing the automated system to be pre-programmed with the exact bite line location for each shoe upper, thereby eliminating time losses during the actual bonding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual bonding agent application with an automated optical scanning system that uses structured light to capture three-dimensional surface geometry and automatically determines the bite line for precise bonding agent application.
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
This method enables precise and efficient determination of the bite line, facilitating automated application of bonding agents, reducing human error and improving manufacturing efficiency in shoe production.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing assembly comprising a structured light source (e.g., a laser) and a sensing device (e.g., an imaging device)
Implementation Method 2
The sensing assembly may be configured, in an exemplary aspect, to move linearly in a direction perpendicular with the axis about which the rotation mechanism rotates
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for collecting three-dimensional surface data of a lasted shoe upper that is mated with a sole that is configured for the lasted upper. The mated three-dimensional data is used with three-dimensional data of the lasted shoe upper in an unmated configuration with the sole to determine a location of an edge defined by the intersection of the lasted upper and the sole when mated. The bite line identifies an edge where the upper and a sole assembly will intersect on a finished shoe, which may represent a bounding line for application of adhesive to the lasted upper for boding the sole thereto.