Shoe Upper Linear Body Stretchability Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe uppers that utilize multiple reinforcing materials with different stretchabilities to enhance followability to foot movements increase the number of materials and manufacturing processes, leading to decreased productivity and increased environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

The shoe upper incorporates a design with high-stretchability and low-stretchability linear bodies, where the low-stretchability linear body is only provided in specific regions, allowing for partial adjustment of stretchability without increasing the number of materials or manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reinforcing materials with different stretchability are used to enhance followability to foot movements, then the stretchability control of the upper is improved, but the number of materials and manufacturing processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretchability controlVSAvoidnumber of materials and processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing linear bodies with different stretchability characteristics (first linear bodies with higher stretchability, second linear bodies with lower stretchability) at different locations within the same knitted fabric. This allows different regions of the upper to have tailored stretchability properties without requiring separate materials or complex assembly processes, as both types of linear bodies are integrated into a single knitted structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple linear bodies with different stretchability properties into a single knitted fabric structure. By combining first linear bodies and second linear bodies within the same fabric during the knitting process, the invention achieves differentiated stretchability control while simplifying manufacturing, as the entire upper is produced as one integrated piece rather than assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reinforcing materials with different stretchability are used to enhance followability to foot movements, then the stretchability control of the upper is improved, but productivity decreases and environmental load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretchability controlVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the linear bodies into different types (first linear bodies with higher stretchability, second linear bodies with lower stretchability) within the knitted fabric structure. This segmentation allows differentiated functional properties in different regions while maintaining a unified manufacturing process, as both types of linear bodies are incorporated during the same knitting operation, thereby preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The knitted fabric serves multiple functions simultaneously by incorporating both first linear bodies and second linear bodies in a single structure. This multi-functionality allows the upper to provide both high-stretchability regions and low-stretchability regions without requiring separate manufacturing processes, thus maintaining high productivity while achieving differentiated stretchability control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reinforcing materials with different stretchability are used to enhance followability to foot movements, then the stretchability control of the upper is improved, but waste materials and electricity consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretchability controlVSAvoidwaste materials and energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by strategically placing first linear bodies and second linear bodies in specific regions of the knitted fabric according to the functional requirements of different upper portions. This localized differentiation allows the upper to achieve optimal stretchability control where needed while minimizing material usage and waste, as each region receives only the type of linear body necessary for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the production of differentiated stretchability regions into a single knitting process, combining first linear bodies and second linear bodies in the same fabric structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes that would generate additional waste materials and energy consumption, while still achieving the desired stretchability control in different regions of the upper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4144248B1Upper and shoe

Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ASICS CORP

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AI summary

An upper includes an upper main body (20) that covers an instep of a foot. A first region (23) and a second region (24) adjacent to the first region (23) are formed in the upper main body (20). The upper main body (20) includes: a first linear body provided across the first region (23) and the second region (24) or provided only in the second region (24); and a second linear body provided in the first region (23) while avoiding the second region (24) and having an end located at a boundary portion between the first region (23) and the second region (24). The first linear body and the second linear body have mutually different stretchability.