Shoe Last Extension Reference Pattern for Robotic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of shoes is hindered by variations in materials, tooling, and conditions, leading to precision issues and increased costs due to the reliance on human compensation, which can result in unacceptable variations in finished shoes.
Innovation Solution
A shoe last extension with a mounting mechanism and a pattern on its surface, allowing mechanized processes like robotic arms to determine a common origin location across different extensions, enabling multiple mechanisms to manipulate the last extension during various phases of shoe manufacturing, thereby automating processes traditionally performed by humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually compensate for variations in materials, tooling, and conditions during shoe manufacturing, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate due to human error and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human manual operations with automated robotic systems equipped with sensors and computer control. The robotic last manipulator and shoe component manipulators execute precise movements based on digital models, eliminating human error while maintaining the ability to adapt to different shoe designs through software programming rather than manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated measurement and verification capabilities where sensors scan the shoe components and the computer system automatically adjusts the robotic manipulators to compensate for any variations detected. This self-correcting mechanism eliminates the need for human operators to manually measure and adjust each component.
2Device complexity
If traditional handmade or mass-produced lasts are used without precision machining, then manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced, but last precision and subsequent shoe quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The last extension is pre-machined with high precision before being attached to the last. This preliminary precision machining creates a stable, accurate reference framework that ensures consistent shoe manufacturing. The pre-prepared mounting surfaces and alignment features on the last extension eliminate the need for complex adjustments during the shoe manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple precision-machined lasts are created for different shoe sizes and designs, then shoe manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The last extension serves as a universal base that can be attached to multiple different lasts of various sizes and designs. The standardized mounting mechanism allows a single precision-machined last extension to support numerous shoe configurations, eliminating the need to create separate precision lasts for each shoe size and design while maintaining manufacturing precision through the consistent reference framework provided by the last extension.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for precisely determining the position of variable parts, the method comprising: providing a jig extension, the jig extension comprising a connection to a part and a pattern defining an origin on the jig extension; identifying the pattern on the jig extension; and using a map that maps a portion of the part to the origin to perform location-sensitive operations involving at least a portion of the part.