Shoe Sole Particle Traction and Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear technologies using single types of particles on shoe soles are limited in tailoring properties for specific purposes and environments, and often rely on expensive powder-sized particles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating combinations of leather particles and other natural or organic particles of specific sizes and configurations on the shoe sole, which can be attached or molded into the base material to enhance traction, slip-resistance, and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If powder-sized particles are used on the shoe sole, then the surface coverage is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter from powder-sized to larger particles within a specific size range (0.1-2.0 mm), which reduces production cost while maintaining effective surface coverage through optimized particle distribution and attachment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite particle systems combining organic and inorganic particles with different properties, allowing larger particle sizes to achieve effective coverage through synergistic effects and varied attachment mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If single type of particles is used on the shoe sole, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different purposes and environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle system into multiple types (organic particles, inorganic particles, natural rubber particles) with different functions, allowing the sole to be tailored for specific purposes while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through batch application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional particle system where different particle types serve different functions (traction, slip-resistance, durability), enabling a single shoe sole to adapt to various environments and purposes through combination rather than requiring multiple specialized soles
3Ease of manufacture
If larger particles are used on the shoe sole, then the production cost is reduced, but the surface coverage and uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different particle types and sizes to different regions of the shoe sole based on functional requirements, allowing larger particles in areas where cost reduction is prioritized while maintaining uniform coverage in critical areas through targeted application methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses surface coverage uniformity by transitioning from a two-dimensional coverage problem to a three-dimensional solution, using particles of varied sizes that can nestle into each other and fill gaps, achieving uniform effective coverage even with larger individual particle sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a shoe that includes a sole that: (i) has a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use, and (ii) is comprised of both a base material forming a main structure and individual leather particles attached to the base material on the bottom surface of the sole. The individual leather particles may have a median size within a range of 0.3 to 4.0 millimeters (mm). In addition, or instead, individual second particles made of a material other than leather also are attached to the base material on the bottom surface of the sole.