Sole structure having distinguished three-dimensional patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe soles are not waterproof and easily abraded, with existing solutions failing to maintain distinguished three-dimensional patterns and preventing air traps due to inadequate adhesion of thermoplastic polyurethane films on bumpy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sole structure comprising a foam-molded body with multiple three-dimensional ribs and patterns, combined with an external annular layer featuring a hot melt adhesive connection part with raised portions, ensuring mating adhesion and preventing air traps while providing abrasion resistance and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick TPU film is used to provide abrasion resistance and waterproofing, then durability is improved, but the sole structure cannot have distinguished three-dimensional patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure is divided into multiple layers: a foam body layer (10) that provides the three-dimensional patterns and ribs, and a separate TPU film layer (20) that provides abrasion resistance. The patterns are formed in the foam body rather than the TPU film, allowing both distinguished shapes and durability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the sole structure have different functions: the foam body (10) provides structural form and three-dimensional patterns, while the TPU film (20) provides surface protection and abrasion resistance. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If a TPU film is hot pressed to adhere to the body, then adhesion is improved, but gaps still form on bumpy surfaces allowing water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The foam body (10) is pre-formed with three-dimensional ribs (11) and pattern portions (12) before the TPU film is applied. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the TPU film is hot pressed, it conforms to the pre-established patterns rather than creating gaps on bumpy surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam body (10) acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and the TPU film (20). Its three-dimensional surface provides a base that, when combined with proper adhesion, prevents water from reaching the interface between the sole and the ground.
3Shape
If the TPU film is made thin to allow pattern formation, then three-dimensional patterns are achieved, but abrasion resistance and waterproofing are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sole structure separates the pattern-forming function (foam body 10) from the protection function (TPU film 20). This allows the TPU film to be optimized for durability with appropriate thickness while the foam body provides the distinguished three-dimensional patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure uses a composite of foam material (10) and TPU film (20), combining the advantages of both materials: the foam provides structural form and pattern definition, while the TPU film provides abrasion resistance and waterproofing.
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 solution effectively maintains distinguished three-dimensional patterns and provides enhanced abrasion resistance and waterproofing by ensuring a tight, gap-free adhesion between the external layer and the body, preventing water ingress and air traps.
Implementation Method 1
the connection part (22) is hot melt adhesive which is heated to melt and to adhere with an inner wall of the body (10)
Implementation Method 2
each external layer (20) is fixed on the body (10) and is heated and vacuumed so as to matingly adhere with the multiple three-dimensional ribs (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sole structure contains: a body (10) and at least one external layer (20). The body (10) is formed in a foam molding manner and corresponds to human foot, and the body (10) includes multiple three-dimensional ribs (11) and at least one three-dimensional pattern portion (12). Each of the at least one external layer (20) includes a protective part (21) arranged on an outer wall thereof, and each external layer (20) includes a connection part (22) arranged on an inner wall thereof. The connection part (22) is heated to melt and to adhere with an inner wall of the body (10), and the at least one external layer (20) is fixed on the body (10) and is heated and vacuumed so as to matingly adhere with the multiple three-dimensional ribs (11) and the at least one three-dimensional pattern portion (12).