Shoe-Fit Testing Device Using Pseudo Skeletal Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Shoe vendors face inconsistencies in assessing shoe fit due to variations in foot size and shape among live models, making it difficult to ensure consistent sizing and comfort across different individuals.
Innovation Solution
A shoe-fit testing device featuring a pseudo skeletal structure and pseudo soft tissue structure that approximates the human foot and ankle, allowing for compression and expansion, enabling accurate measurement of joint and instep girth, and incorporating removable flex inserts for flexibility, fabricated using ABS plastic and urethane elastomer materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If live models are used to test shoe fit, then real foot variability is captured, but measurement consistency deteriorates due to differences in foot size, shape, and flexure patterns among individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a standardized copy of a reference foot (size 6) that replicates the essential geometric and flexural characteristics. This master model is then used to generate scaled copies for different shoe sizes through the last-making process, ensuring consistency while adapting to various sizes. The copy captures the mean foot characteristics that represent the majority of the population.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the standardized foot model into different sizes by applying scaling factors to create lasts. The master model's dimensions are systematically adjusted to produce size-specific lasts while maintaining the same geometric relationships and flexure patterns. This allows consistent fit assessment across different shoe sizes.
2Manufacturing precision
If a detailed pseudo skeletal structure with all foot bones is created, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foot model into functional segments: a pseudo skeletal structure providing structural framework, and a pseudo soft tissue structure providing surface geometry and flexure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the skeletal structure uses simplified geometric forms while the soft tissue layer captures complex surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of anatomical detail to different regions of the foot model. Critical areas such as the toe box and instep use more detailed construction to accurately represent pressure points and flexure zones, while less critical areas use simplified forms. This localized approach maintains manufacturing precision where needed while reducing overall complexity.
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 device provides a consistent and reliable method to test shoe fit by replicating foot flexure and geometry, allowing for precise measurement and observation of fit, reducing variations and ensuring suitable sizing across different foot types.
Implementation Method 1
The shoe-fit testing device is capable of transitioning between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the shoe-fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a first value. In the compressed state, the shoe fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a second value that is less than the first value.
Implementation Method 2
The pseudo soft tissue structure encompasses the pseudo skeletal structure and enables the device to transition between compressed and uncompressed states, indicating elastic deformation of the soft tissue material.
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe-fit testing device includes a pseudo skeletal structure and a pseudo soft tissue structure. The pseudo skeletal structure approximates the bone structure of a human foot and ankle, and the pseudo soft tissue structure encompasses the pseudo skeletal structure. The shoe-fit testing device is capable of transitioning between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the shoe-fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a first value. In the compressed state, the shoe fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a second value that is less than the first value. As such, the shoe-fit testing device approximates the flexibility and compressibility of the human foot without requiring a live model.