Shoe Upper Segmentation for Waterproofing and Breathability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoes with entirely impermeable and breathable uppers are expensive, complex to produce, and may not be necessary for urban environments, while those that are partially impermeable often fail to protect the foot from water immersion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a sole with a perspiration region and an insole made of impermeable material, combined with a breathable upper and a waterproof layer that forms a hermetic seal between the insole and sole, allowing for partial impermeability and breathability, using thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive films or tapes for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an entirely impermeable and breathable membrane is used for the upper, then waterproofing is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into two distinct zones: an impermeable zone at the lower portion (from the opening downward) providing waterproofing, and a breathable zone at the upper portion allowing vapor transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without the complexity and cost of making the entire upper impermeable and breathable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different permeability properties based on their functional requirements. The lower zone near the opening requires impermeability to prevent water entry, while the upper zone benefits from breathability for comfort. This local differentiation optimizes performance while reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If an impermeable layer is added to the upper, then waterproofing is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impermeable layer is applied only to the segment of the upper that requires waterproofing (the lower portion from the opening downward), rather than covering the entire upper. This reduces material costs and manufacturing expenses while maintaining adequate waterproof protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire upper impermeable (excessive action), the solution applies impermeability only to the extent necessary for water protection (partial action). The breathable portions remain untreated, optimizing the balance between waterproofing and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper is made partially impermeable, then production cost is reduced, but waterproofing effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The critical area for waterproofing (the lower zone near the opening where water would enter) is made impermeable, while non-critical areas (the upper zone) remain breathable. This targeted approach ensures effective waterproofing where needed without the expense of making the entire upper impermeable.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper is segmented into waterproof and breathable zones, with the impermeable layer strategically positioned in the lower portion to prevent water entry while allowing cost-effective breathable construction in the upper portion.
4Reliability
If an impermeable seal is formed between insole and sole, then waterproofing is improved, but breathability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is segmented into a sealed lower portion (insole and sole assembly) for waterproofing and an upper portion with breathable characteristics. The impermeable layer and sealing elements are confined to the lower zone, allowing the upper breathable zones to function without restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The impermeable sealing is applied locally at the insole-sole interface and lower upper regions where waterproofing is critical, while the upper portions maintain their natural breathability. This localized sealing prevents water entry without compromising overall vapor transmission.
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
The shoe provides effective waterproofing up to a certain height while maintaining breathability, reducing production costs and complexity, and is suitable for urban environments without the need for full impermeable membranes, ensuring foot protection in shallow water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive films or tapes for sealing
Implementation Method 2
a membrane that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A shoe (10, 310, 410) with an upper that is at least partially rendered impermeable, comprising: – a sole (11, 111, 211), – an insole (13, 313, 413), – an upper assembly (15, 315, 415), which at least comprises a breathable lining (16, 316, 416), a breathable upper (17, 317, 417), and, interposed between at least part thereof, a layer (18, 318, 418) that is waterproof and is fixed hermetically below the insole (13, 313, 413), the upper assembly (15, 315, 415) being associated with the insole (13, 313, 413), – a region providing a waterproof seal (19, 319, 419) of the insole (13, 313, 413) to the sole (11, 111, 211), the sealing region (19, 319, 419) substantially surrounding the breathable or perforated portion (14, 314, 414) that is free for perspiration.