Footwear Sole Splaying Mechanism for Precise Upper Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing a cemented upper to a sole in footwear are labor-intensive and require skilled workers due to the rapid setting of adhesives and the challenge of proper placement, leading to potential misalignment and unusable products.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing apparatus with clamps and perimeter deforming implements that secure the sole at the forefoot and heel regions, causing the perimeter of the top surface to splay outward, allowing for precise placement and adherence of the cemented upper in a longitudinal direction, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are applied rapidly to the upper, then adhesion strength is improved, but placement precision deteriorates because the upper must be coupled quickly without time for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus applies perimeter deforming force to the sole before the upper is coupled, causing the perimeter to splay outward in advance. This preliminary action creates a larger effective bonding area and allows the upper to be positioned accurately before the adhesive sets, resolving the contradiction between rapid adhesion and precise placement
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual coupling methods are used, then flexibility is improved, but skill requirement increases leading to higher labor costs and longer training periods
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables the sole to essentially position itself by splaying its perimeter outward when deforming force is applied. This self-positioning characteristic reduces the skill level required by operators, as the apparatus guides the coupling process automatically while maintaining flexibility for different shoe types
3Strength
If the sole perimeter remains closed, then structural integrity is improved, but coupling accuracy deteriorates because the upper cannot be properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically changes the sole's perimeter configuration by applying deforming force that causes the perimeter to splay outward during the coupling process. After coupling, the perimeter returns to its original closed state. This dynamic transformation allows accurate positioning during assembly while maintaining structural integrity in the final product
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects hereof relate to a method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.