Segmented Shoe Upper with Non-Stretch Strings for Stability and Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletic shoes require stability, light weight, and improved fitting quality, but existing materials with high rigidity compromise on these aspects, leading to discomfort and poor deformation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A shoe upper structure featuring non-elongatable string portions between panels that are freely deformable, providing stability and conforming to foot shape without stretching, combined with a flexible mesh member for enhanced comfort and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high-rigidity artificial material or polyurethane resin material is used to ensure stability, then stability in transverse direction is improved, but weight increases and fitting quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) arranged in the longitudinal direction, with string portions positioned between adjacent panels. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for specific functions - some panels provide stability while others contribute to light weight and fitting quality, resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high-rigidity artificial material or polyurethane resin material is used to ensure stability, then stability in transverse direction is improved, but fitting quality deteriorates due to buckling and poor deformation capability
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different properties: panels provide structural stability and shape maintenance, while string portions provide flexibility and adaptability to foot deformation. This local differentiation allows the upper to simultaneously achieve stability and fitting quality without compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If low-rigidity mesh member or stretchable member is used to improve fitting quality, then fitting quality is improved, but stability in transverse direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper combines different material types with complementary properties: panels made from materials providing stability and shape retention, and string portions made from flexible materials that adapt to foot movement. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both high-rigidity and low-rigidity materials, achieving both stability and fitting quality simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If panels are made stretchable to conform to foot deformation, then fitting quality is improved, but stability in transverse direction deteriorates due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The upper implements dynamic behavior through the panel-string portion configuration: panels maintain their shape to provide stability, while string portions between panels allow controlled deformation to adapt to foot movement. This dynamic system automatically adjusts - remaining stable when needed and deforming when needed - resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper including: a plurality of panels provided in a medial side portion and/or a lateral side portion, the panels being separated from one another in a longitudinal direction of a foot, covering at least a portion of the side surface of the foot, and being pulled by a fastening member toward a center portion between the medial side and the lateral side of the foot; and a plurality of string-like non-stretchable string portions that are extending in the longitudinal direction, the string portions placed between a pair of the plurality of panels that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.