Stretchable Shoe Upper With Reinforcement for Fit and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports shoe uppers, particularly running shoes, face challenges in balancing stretchability and stability, with non-stretchable uppers failing to conform to foot shape and stretchable uppers lacking support, leading to diminished comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
A one-way stretchable material in the upper, combined with reinforcement elements that limit stretchability in a specific direction, allowing for precise adjustment and adaptation to complex foot shapes while maintaining stability and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a non-stretchable upper is used, then the upper remains tight on the foot during sport activities, but the upper cannot follow the complex shape of the last and foot, diminishing wearing comfort and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The upper employs a one-way stretchable material that dynamically adapts to the foot's complex shape during manufacturing and wearing, while the reinforcement elements provide static stability to maintain tightness during sport activities. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between tightness and conformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper combines a one-way stretchable base material with reinforcement elements to create a composite structure. The base material provides conformity to the foot shape, while the reinforcement elements provide tightness and stability, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stretchable material is used for the upper, then the upper can follow the complex shape of the last and foot, but the upper cannot properly hold and support the foot during walking and running, lacking stability
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way stretchable material allows dynamic conformity to the foot shape during manufacturing and normal wear, while the reinforcement elements engage dynamically during high-stress activities like running to provide the necessary support and stability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines a stretchable base material that provides conformity with reinforcement elements that provide stability and support. This composite approach allows the upper to simultaneously achieve both adaptability to foot shape and stability during athletic activities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple reinforcement elements are added to a stretchable upper to achieve stability, then the upper can hold and support the foot, but the additional weight and stiff portions counteract the ability of the stretchable material to follow the complex shape of the last and foot
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reinforcing the entire upper, the invention applies reinforcement elements only in specific local areas where stability is needed, such as the heel region and high-stress zones. This localized reinforcement maintains the stretchable material's ability to conform to the foot shape in non-reinforced areas while providing necessary support where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective combination of stretchable base material and strategically placed reinforcement elements creates a composite structure that optimizes both conformity and stability, avoiding the excessive weight and stiffness that would result from uniform reinforcement throughout the entire upper.
4Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece upper is used, then the production of the shoe is simplified and the number of seams is reduced, but the upper requires non-stretchability to remain tight on the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece upper utilizes a one-way stretchable material that allows the entire garment to be formed as a single piece during manufacturing, simplifying production. The material's stretchability enables it to remain tight on the foot during sport activities while still conforming to the foot's complex shape, eliminating the need for multiple seams and complex assembly steps.
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 enables a perfectly fitting upper that enhances comfort and performance by conforming to extreme shoe last shapes, reduces production steps, and minimizes weight, thereby optimizing athletic performance.
Implementation Method 1
the one-way stretchable material is stretchable in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the reinforcement element is arranged such as to limit the stretchability of the one-way stretchable material at least in the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an upper for a shoe, particularly a sports shoe. The upper comprises a base layer comprising a one-way stretchable material, wherein the one-way stretchable material is stretchable in a first direction. The upper further comprises at least one reinforcement element, wherein the reinforcement element is arranged such as to limit the stretchability of the one-way stretchable material at least in the first direction.