Shoe Interior Measurement for Personalized Fit Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoe manufacturing often fails to account for individual foot shape, leading to discomfort and potential health issues like hallux valgus due to ill-fitting shoes, despite advancements in 3D foot scanning for customized shoe production.
Innovation Solution
A device for measuring the inner size of a shoe, equipped with a measuring unit, driving unit, and frame, which includes sensors to accurately acquire 3D structure information of the inner shoe surface, allowing for precise customization based on foot shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shoes are manufactured by classifying only the size of the foot at 5 mm intervals, then the manufacturing process is simple and standardized, but the shoes do not fit the individual foot shape, causing discomfort and foot deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the foot measurement process into two distinct parts: (1) standard size classification for manufacturing efficiency, and (2) individual foot shape parameters (instep height, toe length, arch shape) for customization. This allows shoes to be produced using standardized size categories while incorporating personalized shape data to achieve proper fit without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities in the shoe manufacturing process by allowing modification of standard shoe patterns based on individual foot shape measurements. The shoe last (mold) can be dynamically adjusted to match the customer's specific foot geometry while maintaining the base size classification system, enabling customization without completely redesigning the manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If 3D foot scanning technology is used to manufacture customized shoes, then the fit accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D scanning systems with a simpler measurement apparatus that uses optical projection and shadow capture. Instead of using sophisticated laser scanners or structured light systems, the invention uses a light source and camera to capture foot shape information through shadow patterns, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy of the foot shape through shadow projection rather than requiring direct physical contact or complex scanning. The shadow pattern serves as a representative copy of the foot's three-dimensional geometry, which can be captured by a standard camera and processed to extract measurement data, avoiding the need for expensive specialized scanning equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged at different heights to measure the inner surface, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the measurement challenge by transitioning from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-height measurement approach. Sensors are arranged at different vertical heights to simultaneously capture the inner surface geometry at multiple levels, creating a three-dimensional map of the shoe interior. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive surface mapping without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms.
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
Enables the production of shoes that fit the user's foot accurately, reducing foot deformation and enhancing overall health by providing personalized dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring unit including a sensor inserted into the shoe to measure a distance up to an inner surface of the shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring an inner size of a shoe, the device includes: a driving unit inserted into the shoe; a length adjustment unit having a length capable of being adjusted by the driving unit and having a shape of a stick that is elongated in front and rear directions of the shoe; and a measuring unit capable of moving along the length adjustment unit in the front and rear directions of the shoe and having a sensor for measuring a distance up to an inner surface of the shoe.