Shoe Lace Fitting Structure with Stretchable Side Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shoes fail to provide stable foot support and reduce compression and slipping due to changes in foot circumference during wear, as existing lace fitting structures do not effectively accommodate foot shape changes.
Innovation Solution
A shoe with a lace fitting structure featuring a stretchable portion that moves with the foot in both circumference and front-back directions, connected to a less stretchable main portion that covers critical foot areas, allowing for elastic deformation to fit the foot securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper is made stretchable to accommodate foot shape changes, then the fit comfort is improved, but the foot support stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple regions with different stretchability characteristics: a first region with first stretchability and a second region with second stretchability. This segmentation allows different parts of the upper to perform different functions - some areas stretch to accommodate foot shape changes while others maintain stability to provide support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different local qualities in terms of stretchability. The first region has different stretchability properties than the second region, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function - either comfort or support - without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If the eyelets are fixed in position to maintain structural stability, then the support function is improved, but the ability to accommodate foot circumference changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The eyelet system is segmented into different functional groups: some eyelets are positioned in regions that move with foot circumference changes, while others are positioned in regions that remain relatively stable. This allows the lacing system to simultaneously accommodate shape changes and maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyelet positions are designed to be dynamic rather than completely fixed. Certain eyelets can move or deform in response to foot shape changes while maintaining their structural connection, allowing the upper to adapt to foot circumference changes without compromising overall stability.
3Reliability
If the side panels are made wide to cover large areas, then the support coverage is improved, but the natural foot movement and shape change is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are divided into regions with different stretchability characteristics. By segmenting the panel into areas of varying flexibility, the design can provide extensive coverage while allowing natural foot movement in the more stretchable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the side panels have different local stretchability qualities. This allows wide coverage areas to be maintained while specific regions are designed with appropriate flexibility to accommodate foot movement and shape changes during wear.
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 shoe provides improved fit and stability by accommodating foot shape changes, reducing compression and slipping, while maintaining support for the foot's anatomical features.
Implementation Method 1
the stretchable portion is stretchable in the circumference direction of the foot in the vicinity of the second side edge portion at least in the circumference direction when the foot is bent
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe including a sole 1 for absorbing an impact of landing, an upper 2 for wrapping around an instep, and shoelace means 3 for fitting the upper 2 to the instep, the upper 2 including: a main portion 2M covering a medial side surface, a lateral side surface, a toe, the instep and a back surface of a foot; a side edge portion having a plurality of first eyelets H1; a first side panel 51 covering the medial side surface of the foot; and a second side panel 52 covering the lateral side surface of the foot, wherein each side panel includes: a tip portion 53 having a second eyelet H2 which is provided at a tip of the side panel and which the shoelace means passes through and engages with; a bottom portion 54 attached to the main portion and/or the sole; and a middle portion55 arranged between the tip portion and the bottom portion so as to allow the tip portion to move in the front-back direction of the foot with respect to the bottom portion, wherein with at least one of the side panels, the middle portion 55 can stretch and shrink to increase a length from the tip portion to the bottom portion.