Shoe Upper Opening With Non-Coupled Members for Flexible Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stiffness of conventional shoe uppers, resulting from the joint of multiple linear materials, leads to reduced followability and increased fatigue failure during foot movement.
Innovation Solution
An upper design featuring an opening region with non-coupled, flexible first members that are fixed at both ends to a joint region, reducing stiffness and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a plurality of linear materials is joined to each other over the entire region of an upper, then the structural strength and integrity of the upper is improved, but the stiffness of the upper increases throughout the entire region
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into a joint region where linear materials are coupled and an opening region where linear materials are not coupled. This segmentation allows different regions to have different stiffness characteristics, with the joint region providing strength and the opening region providing flexibility and followability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are given different structural qualities: the joint region has coupled linear materials for strength and stability, while the opening region has non-coupled linear materials for flexibility and comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and localized stiffness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stiffness of the upper is increased through joining linear materials, then the structural integrity is improved, but the followability of the upper with respect to bending and twisting of the foot deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented into regions with different coupling characteristics. The joint region maintains structural integrity through coupled materials, while the opening region enables followability through non-coupled materials that can bend and twist with the foot's natural movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening region with non-coupled linear materials provides dynamic flexibility that adapts to the foot's movements, while the joint region provides static structural support. This dynamic differentiation allows the upper to maintain integrity while following foot contours.
3Strength
If linear materials are joined throughout the entire upper region, then the structural strength is improved, but fatigue failure of the materials during bending of the foot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented to separate high-stress bending regions (opening region) from structural support regions (joint region). This segmentation reduces fatigue in the bending-prone areas by eliminating rigid joints, while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed joint regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An upper (2) includes an upper body (20) covering the instep of a foot. At least a part of the upper body (20) is an opening region (4) disposed with an opening. In the opening region (4), a plurality of first members (5) extending in one direction is disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. Both ends of the plurality of first member (5) are fixed ends (50) fixed to a portion of the upper body (20) adjacent to the opening region (4). The order in which fixed ends (51) on one end side of the plurality of first members (5) are arranged is equal to the order in which fixed ends (52) on the other end side of the plurality of first members (5) are arranged.