Shoe Upper Design Mapping via 3D Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional product development process for apparel, such as shoes, is hindered by organizational and geographical separation between design and manufacturing entities, leading to slow feedback, errors, and increased time to market due to inefficient communication and multiple iterations of prototype manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of 2D and 3D reference models with feature points, using techniques like 3D scanning, to generate mappings that accurately reflect panel deformations and manufacturing requirements, allowing for direct translation of design changes between these models and manufacturing templates, reducing the need for physical prototypes and iterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional design techniques and multiple prototype iterations are used, then design accuracy can be achieved, but product development time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D scanning to create digital copies (point clouds) of physical panels and reference bodies, replacing multiple physical prototypes with virtual models. This digital copying allows design iterations to be performed computationally rather than through repeated physical manufacturing, significantly reducing development time while maintaining design accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual measurement and physical prototype manufacturing with automated 3D scanning and computational mapping. The mechanical system of repeated prototyping is substituted by a digital system that uses point cloud data and algorithms to achieve the same design validation purposes much faster.
2Adaptability or versatility
If organizational separation between design and manufacturing entities is maintained, then specialized functions are preserved, but communication efficiency and feedback speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital point cloud model as an intermediary between design and manufacturing entities. This digital intermediary contains all geometric information in a standardized format that both parties can access and work with, eliminating communication losses while allowing each entity to maintain their specialized functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal digital representation (point cloud with feature points) that serves multiple functions: it can be used for design visualization, manufacturing planning, quality inspection, and communication between different entities. This single digital model replaces multiple communication channels and reduces information loss.
3Reliability
If physical prototypes are manufactured for each design iteration, then design validation is achieved, but manufacturing costs and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical panels through 3D scanning, allowing design validation to be performed on digital models rather than physical prototypes. This eliminates or drastically reduces material consumption while maintaining the ability to validate design decisions through accurate digital representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and mapping to create accurate digital models before any physical prototyping or manufacturing takes place. This preliminary digital validation allows design issues to be identified and resolved virtually, preventing material waste that would occur with iterative physical prototyping.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for designing of a piece of apparel in particular an upper of a shoe, comprising the steps of providing at least one first panel including a plurality of feature points in an essentially two-dimensional configuration, arranging the at least one first panel on a first reference body in a three-dimensional configuration representing the piece of apparel to be designed, generating a first mapping between the two-dimensional configuration of the at least one first panel and the three-dimensional configuration of the at least one first panel using the plurality of feature points and designing the piece of apparel using the first mapping.