Shoe Upper with Interlocked Linear Members for Uniform Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing upper designs, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, require successive pulling of the shoelace from the toe side to apply tension to the inlaid strands, making it inefficient to apply tension uniformly across the upper in one action.
Innovation Solution
The proposed upper design features a cloth-like base member with a plurality of linear members disposed side by side, where each linear member has a fixed portion and an unfixed portion. The unfixed portions of adjacent linear members are interlocked, and at least a part of the unfixed portion of one or more linear members is exposed outside the base member, allowing for tension to be applied uniformly across the upper in one action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If inlaid strands are disposed on left and right sides of the throat portion with shoelace passing through eyelet holes, then tension can be applied to a wide range of the upper, but successive pulling from the toe side is required to apply tension uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inlaid strands are merged into a single integrated structure where adjacent strands interlock through their unfixed portions. This merging allows tension applied to one strand to be transmitted to adjacent strands, enabling uniform tension across the entire upper in one action rather than requiring successive pulling of each strand separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The unfixed portions of inlaid strands act as intermediaries that connect adjacent fixed portions. These intermediary sections allow mechanical coupling between strands, enabling force transmission from pulled strands to adjacent strands without direct connection, thus achieving uniform tension distribution across the upper.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inlaid strands are fixed to the base member, then structural stability is improved, but tension cannot be uniformly applied to all portions in one action
Solution Approach 1:
Each inlaid strand is segmented into two distinct portions: a fixed portion that provides structural stability when anchored to the base member, and an unfixed portion that remains mobile to transmit tension forces. This segmentation allows the strand to simultaneously provide structural support and facilitate easy tension application through the mobile unfixed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlaid strands incorporate both fixed (static) and unfixed (dynamic) portions. The fixed portions maintain structural stability when anchored, while the unfixed portions allow dynamic movement and force transmission during the tensioning operation, enabling easy application of tension across the entire upper structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper includes a cloth-like base member including at least one layer, and a plurality of linear members disposed side by side on the base member and independently of each other. Each of the linear members includes a first portion disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member along a length direction and fixed to the layer, and a second portion disposed in a portion of the linear member other than the first portion and not fixed to the layer. The second portions of the adjacent linear members are interlocked with each other. A part or all of the second portion of at least one of the linear members is exposed to an outside of the base member.