Shoe Charm Holder with Flush Cap for Aesthetic Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe designs lack an effective and aesthetically pleasing method to securely attach charms or beads between the shank and heel, which can be inconvenient and unsightly when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A charm holder device with an attachment portion that can be integrated into the shoe's outsole or heel breast, featuring a shoe engaging portion and a charm engaging portion with a charm keeper, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal of charms, and an optional cap to make the device flush with the shoe when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a charm holder device is added to attach charms on shoes, then the functionality and aesthetic appeal of shoes are improved, but the device complexity and structural integration challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharm attachment functionalityVSAvoidholder device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charm holder device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the attachment portion bonds to the shoe, the shoe engaging portion secures the device to the shoe's heel breast, and the charm engaging portion holds charms. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while providing comprehensive charm attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charm holder device utilizes a nested structure where the charm engaging portion is coupled to the shoe engaging portion, which is in turn coupled to the attachment portion. The charm keeper is nested within the charm engaging portion, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that maximizes functionality within minimal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a charm holder device is integrated into the shoe structure, then secure charm attachment is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharm attachment securityVSAvoidshoe integration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The charm holder device is divided into three separable portions: an attachment portion that can be independently bonded to the shoe, a shoe engaging portion that interfaces with the shoe's heel breast, and a charm engaging portion that holds charms. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring secure integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment portion is designed to be pre-bonded to the shoe during manufacturing, creating a permanent foundation before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the charm holder device is securely integrated into the shoe structure from the outset, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a charm holder device is visible on the shoe, then charm display functionality is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the shoe deteriorates when charms are not attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharm display capabilityVSAvoidshoe appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The charm engaging portion is designed as a removable component that can be extracted from the shoe engaging portion. When charms are not being used, the charm engaging portion can be removed or retracted, leaving only the minimal attachment portion visible on the shoe. This extraction principle allows the shoe to maintain its aesthetic appearance while preserving the capability for charm display when desired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The charm holder device incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its visibility based on usage. The charm engaging portion can be positioned in different states (attached or detached), and the device as a whole can be configured to minimize its visual profile when charms are not in use, thus maintaining shoe aesthetics while preserving functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9943137B2Shoe charm holder device
Publication Date: 2018.04.17 LEO SUSAN
  • US9943137B2 patent drawing
  • US9943137B2 patent drawing
  • US9943137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charm holder device for attaching charms to a heel breast of a shoe located between the shank and the heel of the shoe. The charm holder device includes an attachment portion attached to the shoe, a shoe engaging portion coupled to the attachment portion and a charm engaging portion with a charm keeper coupled to the shoe engaging portion. The charm keeper receives charms or beads. The attachment portion may be attached to the outsole of the shoe only or be in a bore located on the heel breast of the shoe and extending from the insole to the outsole.