Shoe Connecting Element With Ribs For Flexible Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous modular shoe designs stiffen the sole structure, leading to an uncomfortable wearing experience and increased weight, as they incorporate additional rigid components that are not customizable to individual preferences for height, material, color, or sole hardness.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with longitudinal and transverse webs, allowing for adjustable hardness and flexibility, is used to attach the shoe upper to the outsole, enabling customization of sole hardness through varying web thickness, width, and material, along with locking pins for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid surface element or shell element is used to connect the upper to the sole in modular shoes, then the upper and sole are firmly connected, but the sole structure becomes stiffened, leading to an uncomfortable wearing experience and increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a membrane-like connecting element instead of rigid surface elements. The membrane is secured at its peripheral edge to the upper and forms a flexible connection to the sole, providing stability without the weight and stiffness of rigid components. The membrane's flexible nature allows it to conform to the sole structure while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connecting element into distinct functional parts: a membrane portion for flexible connection and locking portions for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the membrane to provide flexibility and comfort while the locking portions ensure reliable connection, resolving the contradiction between firm connection and flexible comfort.
2Reliability
If a rigid surface element or shell element is used to connect the upper to the sole in modular shoes, then the upper and sole are firmly connected, but the sole structure becomes stiffened, leading to an uncomfortable wearing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane-like connecting element provides flexibility and conformability to the foot and sole structure, ensuring wearing comfort. The membrane's ability to flex and adapt to movement prevents the stiffness and discomfort associated with rigid connecting elements, while still maintaining secure connection through its locking portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element has different properties in different regions: the membrane portion is flexible and conformable for comfort, while the locking portions are structured for secure attachment. This local differentiation of properties allows the same component to simultaneously provide comfort and reliable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If previous modular shoe designs are used, then customization of upper and sole combinations is possible, but the connecting elements are additional rigid components that increase shoe weight
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane-like connecting element replaces heavy rigid components with a lightweight flexible structure. This membrane can be used across different shoe configurations and customization options, providing adaptability while minimizing weight addition compared to traditional rigid connecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element with its membrane and locking portions serves multiple functions: it connects the upper to the sole, provides flexibility, ensures stability, and can be applied across various shoe designs and customization options. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different connecting components, thereby reducing overall weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shoe (10) with a shoe upper (15) and an upper base (20), wherein the shoe upper (15) is connected to an outsole (25) by a connecting element (30) fixing the upper base (20) to the outsole (25), wherein the connecting element (30) has at least one rib (35) which extends substantially over the length of the upper base (20) and from which lateral transverse ribs (40) extend.