Shoe Upper With Split Flex-Point and Elastic Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
High heel shoes typically cause discomfort and pain due to their narrow, inflexible design that does not accommodate the natural width of the foot, leading to pressure on the toes and heel, and existing solutions either compromise the sleek style or provide inadequate flexibility and support.
Innovation Solution
A high heel shoe upper constructed with a combination of firm fabric, such as leather, and flat knitted elastic, featuring a flex-point split design that allows for expansion without losing shape, providing comfort and flexibility while maintaining the shoe's aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If high heel shoes are made with narrow, inflexible material to maintain sleek style, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but comfort and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple panels including firm fabric panels and elastic material panels. The firm fabric panels maintain the sleek aesthetic appearance, while the elastic material panels provide flexibility and comfort. This segmentation allows different regions of the shoe to serve different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with different properties are applied to different locations of the upper. Firm fabric is used in regions where structural support and aesthetic appearance are priorities, while elastic material is used in regions requiring flexibility and comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sleek appearance and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If high heel shoes are made wider to accommodate the toe region, then comfort is improved, but heel and midsole area becomes too wide causing foot slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented into multiple panels with different widths and material properties. The toe region panels are wider and made of elastic material to accommodate the foot's width, while the heel and midsole panels maintain appropriate width for stability. This prevents both compression in the toe region and slippage in the heel region.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe width is locally adjusted to match the anatomical shape of the foot. The toe region is made wider to accommodate the widest part of the foot, while the heel and midsole areas maintain narrower dimensions for proper support. This local width variation resolves the contradiction between comfort and stability.
3Ease of operation
If high heel shoes are made entirely of flexible material to improve comfort, then flexibility is improved, but structural support and shape retention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into firm fabric panels and elastic material panels. The firm fabric panels provide structural support and maintain the shoe's shape, while the elastic material panels provide flexibility and comfort. This segmentation allows both rigidity and flexibility to coexist in the same shoe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper combines firm fabric material and elastic material in a composite construction. The firm fabric provides structural integrity and shape retention, while the elastic material adds flexibility. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between structural support and flexibility.
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 dual-material design with a flex-point and elastic element allows for comfortable fit and flexibility, reducing pressure points and preventing deformation, thus enhancing wearability and maintaining the sleek appearance of high heel shoes.
Implementation Method 1
an upper made of at least two materials, one of which includes a flexion point and another of which comprises an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a high heel shoe with an upper that will provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer. In a preferred embodiment the upper consists of two at least two materials: 1) a firm fabric, such as leather, that will hold the shape of the design and have limited flexibility; 2) a flat knitted elastic, such as knit elastic, which will not narrow, or not narrow significantly, when stretched. In addition, the firm fabric is configured to have a flex-point and in a preferred embodiment is formed of two pieces of the firm material having a “split” between them providing the desired flex-point.