One-Piece Shoe Sole With Integrated Air Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe designs with air circulation systems are inefficient due to complex and costly sole constructions, and previous air pump devices fail to provide effective ventilation, leading to poor foot comfort and moisture issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a shoe with a one-piece sole construction and an air pump device inserted between the sole and insole, featuring a perforated insole, a solid sole body without internal cavities, and an air pump device in the heel area, which includes air ducts and valves for efficient air circulation, using materials like EVA or PU for the sole and a separate air pump device or 'lung' for enhanced ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air pump devices are inserted into heel cavities of multi-piece sole constructions, then air ventilation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air pump device directly into the one-piece sole construction by integrating it into the heel counter during injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate heel cavities and multi-piece assemblies, thereby maintaining effective air ventilation while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece sole construction serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, cushioning, and integrated air ventilation through the built-in air pump device. The heel counter acts as both a structural element and a housing for the air pump, eliminating the need for separate ventilation components.
2Ease of operation
If traditional air pump devices are used in heel cavities, then air intake is improved, but pumping efficiency decreases due to pressure from user's heel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the air pump device from a vertical heel cavity position to a horizontal integration within the heel counter structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the air pump to operate laterally alongside the heel counter wall, reducing direct pressure from the user's heel while maintaining effective air intake and pumping action.
3Ease of operation
If rotatable pump assemblies are used for ventilation, then air circulation is improved, but mechanical reliability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotatable pump assembly and its complex moving parts from the ventilation system. Instead, it employs a simple diaphragm-based air pump that relies on compression and expansion movements, eliminating mechanical failure points while maintaining effective air circulation within the shoe.
4Ease of operation
If multi-piece sole constructions with integrated air pump devices are used, then air ventilation is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air pump device fabrication directly into the one-piece sole construction injection molding process. The air pump diaphragm and housing are molded as integral components of the sole, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations, thereby reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ventilation performance.
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
This method simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and improves air circulation and walking comfort by ensuring efficient air exchange and shock absorption, making the shoe more reliable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump device inserted between the sole construction and the insole
Implementation Method 2
designed to move air from the outside environment into the interior of the shoe when the sole construction is compressed
Implementation Method 3
The sole can be a flat sole or a heeled sole
Implementation Method 4
The shaft can include an inner lining, a midsole, and an outer upper
Implementation Method 5
devices in the sole designed to promote air circulation within the shoe, thereby reducing internal moisture and improving the wearer's comfort
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a shoe, comprising the steps of: providing an assembled upper (1) with a perforated insole (2), providing a one-piece sole construction (3) with a solid sole body and one or more recesses in the solid sole body, providing an air pump device (5), providing a first air guide (7) which extends at least partially within the upper and is configured to supply air to the air pump device, providing a second air guide (10, 11) which is configured to discharge air away from the air pump device, providing a first valve (8) which is associated with the first air guide and is configured to allow air to pass only in the direction from outside the sole construction towards the air pump device, providing a second valve (9) which is associated with the second air guide and is configured toTo allow air to pass only in the direction away from the air pump device and to connect the one-piece sole construction to the mounted upper with insole in such a way that the air pump device, the second air guide and the second valve are positioned between the insole and the one-piece sole construction in one or more recesses.