Shoe Correction Member for Opening Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoes with tightening members often generate gaps between the opening and the foot in the foot width direction when the wearer plantarflexes, leading to foot displacement and reduced fitting quality.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a correction member with an inner arm fixed to the medial foot side and an outer arm fixed to the lateral foot side, connected by a connection portion, attached to the upper away from the sole, which narrows the opening width and prevents widening during wear, using elastic materials like polyether block amide copolymer or titanium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tightening members (shoelaces or hook-and-loop fasteners) are used to narrow the opening, then fitting property is improved, but the opening width is reduced making it harder to put on and take off
Solution Approach 1:
The correction member is designed to be flexible and adaptable, changing its constraining action based on the state of the shoe. When the shoe is being put on or taken off, the correction member allows the opening to remain wide for ease of operation. When the shoe is worn, the correction member actively narrows the opening to improve fitting property, thus dynamically adjusting between the two opposing requirements
2Reliability
If tightening force is applied in the front-rear direction to narrow the opening, then fitting property is improved, but gaps are generated between the opening and foot in the foot width direction when the foot plantarflexes
Solution Approach 1:
The correction member is positioned asymmetrically at the rear side of the opening rather than in the front, and applies constraining force in the foot width direction rather than the front-rear direction. This asymmetric positioning and force application prevents gap formation between the opening and foot when the foot plantarflexes, while still improving fitting property
3Reliability
If the opening is made narrow to prevent foot displacement, then fitting property is improved, but the ease of being put on and taken off is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The correction member is pre-positioned at the rear side of the opening in a state that allows the opening to remain wide when the shoe is not being worn. When the shoe is being put on or taken off, this preliminary positioning allows easy access. When the shoe is worn, the correction member automatically activates to narrow the opening, thus preliminarily preparing for both states without requiring active adjustment by the user
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 correction member effectively reduces foot movement and maintains a secure fit by minimizing the opening width, preventing foot displacement and enhancing fitting quality while allowing easy on and off without hindering pronation.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic materials like polyether block amide copolymer or titanium
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe includes a sole provided with a ground contact surface, an upper provided with an opening into which a foot of a wearer is inserted, the upper being attached to the sole and covering the foot of the wearer, and a correction member including an inner arm fixed to a medial foot side of the opening of the upper, an outer arm fixed to a lateral foot side of the opening of the upper, and a connection portion connecting the inner arm and the outer arm, the correction member being attached to the upper away from the sole in such a manner that the connection portion is disposed on a rear side of the opening.