Waterproof Shoe Upper Membrane Adhesion via Contoured Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing waterproof and vapor-permeable shoes face challenges such as water infiltration through stitched seams, complex equipment requirements, and increased production costs due to the need for additional linings and adhesive bonding processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the direct adhesion of a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane to a shoe upper using flat shapes that accommodate varying thicknesses, allowing for efficient vapor permeability and waterproofing without the need for extensive stitching or complex equipment, by applying adhesive in a pattern that ensures complete coverage and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane is coupled to an inner lining, then waterproofing is improved, but production costs increase and the shoe requires considerable time to dry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inner lining from the shoe construction, keeping only the necessary functional elements (upper, membrane, sole). This extraction eliminates the space between the lining and upper where water accumulates, allowing the shoe to dry quickly while maintaining waterproofing through the membrane's direct coupling to the upper.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shoe into essential functional segments: the upper portion, the waterproof membrane layer, and the sole. By segmenting the construction this way and removing unnecessary elements like the inner lining, the design achieves waterproofing without creating traps for accumulated water, thus reducing drying time.
2Strength
If stitched seams are used for assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but water penetration through seams occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof membrane as an intermediary layer between the upper and the sole/inner structures. This membrane acts as a mediator that maintains structural integrity through stitched seams while preventing water penetration by providing a continuous waterproof barrier that seals around the stitching areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties: the upper material provides structural integrity, the waterproof membrane provides water resistance, and together they form a composite structure where the membrane's waterproofing property compensates for the water-penetrating weakness of stitched seams.
3Device complexity
If adhesive bonding is used between upper and membrane, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but vapor-permeability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive bonding locally at specific coupling areas between the membrane and upper, rather than using extensive stitching throughout. This localized adhesive application simplifies manufacturing while preserving vapor permeability in the majority of the membrane surface, as the adhesive is applied only where structural coupling is needed.
4Reliability
If complex equipment and processes are used for waterproofing, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-adhering membrane system where the membrane contains its own adhesive properties or self-aligns with the upper structure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external waterproofing equipment and multi-step processes, achieving reliable waterproofing through the membrane's inherent properties and simple coupling mechanisms.
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 results in a shoe that is both waterproof and vapor-permeable, preventing water infiltration and reducing production costs by simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring effective adhesion at critical points like stitched seams and overlaps.
Implementation Method 1
preparing means for adhesive bonding between the upper and the membrane so as to not inhibit the vapor-permeability of the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, consisting in preparing a semimanufactured component of an upper for a shoe, such that it can be arranged spread out on a flat surface or on two mutually opposite surfaces, then arranging on the inner part of the semimanufactured component of an upper a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, then preparing means for adhesive bonding between the semimanufactured component of an upper and the membrane so as to not inhibit the vapor-permeability of the assembly. One or more shapes, capable of shaping themselves complementarily with respect to the different thicknesses of the stitched seams and of the superimposed parts which constitute the outer surface of the semimanufactured component of an upper are prepared, and the membrane is coupled to the semimanufactured component of an upper, with the outer part of the component arranged so that the outer surface rests on the shape.