Shoe Display Casing Layout for Walking Deformation Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The display device in shoes may detach or malfunction due to repeated deformation during walking, as the shoe upper deforms.

Innovation Solution

A shoe design with a casing that houses the display device and control device, featuring a holding portion on the outer side of the upper, a clearance portion between the insole and outsole, and an electrical portion below the insole, ensuring the display device is securely held and protected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the display device is provided on the surface of the upper, then the display function is achieved, but the display device may detach or malfunction due to repeated deformation during walking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of display deviceVSAvoiddeformation during walking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is segmented into two functional parts: the display panel remains on the upper surface for visibility, while the control circuitry is separated and housed in the outsole. This segmentation isolates the sensitive electronic components from deformation stress while maintaining display functionality on the deformable upper.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display control device is nested within the outsole structure, specifically housed in a dedicated compartment. This nesting protects the control electronics from external deformation forces while maintaining integration with the overall shoe system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the display device deforms following the deformation of the shoe, then the display device conforms to the shoe shape, but a malfunction may occur in the display device due to repeated deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconformity to shoe shapeVSAvoidmalfunction prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a flexible display portion on the upper and a rigid protective housing in the outsole. The display panel maintains shape conformity with the upper, while the control device in the outsole remains protected from deformation, preventing malfunction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible connection structure serves as an intermediary between the display panel on the upper and the control device in the outsole. This intermediary allows the display to conform to shoe deformation while transmitting control signals without subjecting the electronics to damaging stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4681570A1Shoe and method for manufacturing shoe
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4681570A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4681570A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4681570A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Shoe (100) includes: an upper (110); an insole (120); an outsole (130); and a display unit (140) capable of displaying an image. The display unit (140) includes: a display device (141) provided in a shape that follows a surface of an outer side of the upper (110); a display control device (142) that causes the display device (141) to display an image; and a casing (143) that houses the display device (141) and the display control device (142). The casing (143) includes: a holding portion (151) that is disposed on the outer side of the upper (110), and holds the display device (141) by sandwiching the display device (141); a clearance portion (152) disposed between the insole (120) and the outsole (130); and an electrical portion (153) that is disposed lower than the insole (120), and in which the display control device (142) is housed.