Shoe Buffing System With Spring-Loaded Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual buffing of shoe uppers for adhesive application is time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in inconsistent results due to variable pressure, and automated systems face challenges in applying consistent force, especially when transitioning over seams.
Innovation Solution
An automated buffing apparatus with a rotating spindle and carriage system, actuator, and biasing mechanism that articulates around the shoe upper, allowing for consistent force application and smooth transition over seams, using a robotic arm to adjust angles and maintain constant contact force despite gravity forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual buffing is used, then flexibility and adaptability to different shoe surfaces are maintained, but labor intensity increases and consistency of buffing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffing system uses a spring-loaded carriage that automatically adjusts and maintains consistent pressure on the buffing head against the shoe upper. The spring mechanism self-regulates the force application, eliminating the need for manual pressure control while maintaining adaptability to different surface contours, thus achieving both consistency and flexibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of force application from variable (manual) to controlled and consistent (spring-loaded). By using a mechanical spring mechanism, the force parameter is standardized while maintaining the ability to adapt to different shoe geometries through the articulated carriage movement
2Productivity
If automated buffing system is used, then productivity and consistency are improved, but difficulty in maintaining constant force over varying surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded carriage acts as a self-regulating force control mechanism. As the carriage moves along the shoe upper, the spring automatically adjusts the pressure to maintain constant contact force between the buffing head and the surface, eliminating the need for complex active force control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by pre-loading the carriage with a controlled spring force. This cushioning effect absorbs variations in surface geometry and maintains consistent buffing pressure without requiring real-time active control, simplifying the overall system while improving force consistency
3Manufacturing precision
If increased force is applied to maintain contact over seams, then buffing consistency is improved, but risk of excessive material removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded system applies a controlled excessive force that is sufficient to maintain contact over seams and irregular surfaces. The spring's elastic properties automatically modulate this force, allowing temporary increased pressure over seams while preventing excessive material removal through the inherent force limitation of the spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning that prevents excessive force application. By pre-loading the system with a controlled spring force, the mechanism naturally limits the maximum force applied to the shoe upper, protecting against excessive material removal while ensuring sufficient contact pressure for consistent buffing
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 apparatus ensures consistent buffing and adhesive application, improving the bond between the shoe upper and bottom unit by maintaining constant force and preventing excessive material removal or under-buffing, leading to enhanced durability and reliability of the shoe assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is positioned in the housing and in contact with the carriage. The biasing member exerts a force onto the carriage in a direction opposite the force exerted by the actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for buffing a shoe part includes a housing adapted to be articulated around at least a portion of the footwear part. A rotating spindle is positioned in the housing and has a buffing surface for engagement with the footwear part. A carriage is slideably connected to the housing and holds the spindle such that the buffing surface can be moved closer to and further away from the footwear part. An actuator is in the housing and in contact with the carriage. The actuator applies force to the carriage to increase the force of the buffing surface onto the footwear part. A biasing member is in the housing and in contact with the carriage. The biasing member exerts force onto the carriage in a direction opposite the force exerted by the actuator.