Stretchable Shoe Upper Sizing With Rigid Locking Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing shoe uppers are labor-intensive and complicated, and they fail to provide the desired stability and comfort, especially for sports applications, due to the use of hook and loop fasteners and stiff leather, while accommodating different sizes across various countries increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the provision of stretchable portions on the shoe upper, stretching these portions to desired sizes, and permanently attaching rigid elements to lock them in place, allowing for adjustable sizing and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of shoe uppers are manufactured to accommodate different country sizing systems, then customer fit requirements are met, but manufacturing costs and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single shoe upper design incorporates both stretchable and rigid portions, allowing it to function as multiple sizes through controlled stretching during manufacturing. The upper can be stretched to different degrees to accommodate various foot sizes, eliminating the need to produce separate uppers for each size in traditional sizing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The size adaptation is achieved by changing the physical state of the stretchable portion through stretching. During manufacturing, the stretchable portion is stretched to a predetermined degree and then fixed with rigid elements, permanently altering its dimensions to match specific size requirements without redesigning the entire upper.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional manufacturing methods with hook and loop fasteners and stiff leather are used, then structural stability is achieved, but comfort and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe upper is divided into distinct functional zones: stretchable portions for size adaptation and rigid portions for structural stability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the stretchable portion enables easy size adjustment during manufacturing, while the rigid portion maintains the necessary structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe upper combines materials with different properties - stretchable materials (such as elastic fabrics or thermoplastic polymers) and rigid materials (such as leather or stiff synthetic materials). This composite construction enables both ease of manufacture through stretching and structural stability through the rigid components.
3Productivity
If a single stretchable shoe upper design is used for multiple sizes, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the ability to provide precise size fit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
During the manufacturing process, the stretchable portion is stretched to a predetermined degree before the rigid elements are attached. This preliminary stretching action sets the final size of the shoe upper, ensuring precise fit. The stretching is controlled and measured to achieve the exact desired size, and then the rigid elements lock this dimension in place permanently.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs and time by minimizing the need for multiple shoe sizes, enhances stability and comfort, and simplifies the manufacturing process, particularly for sports applications, while maintaining attractive appearance and avoiding skin irritations.
Implementation Method 1
stretching the at least one stretchable portion of the shoe upper for adapting a size of the shoe upper
Implementation Method 2
permanently attaching at least one rigid element at least partly on the stretched stretchable portion so that the stretched stretchable portion is locked
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (100) for manufacturing a shoe upper (200; 305), comprising the steps of: (a.) providing (110) at least one stretchable portion (210; 310) on the shoe upper (200; 305); (b.) stretching (120) the at least one stretchable portion (210; 310) of the shoe upper (200; 305) for adapting a size of the shoe upper (200;305); and (c.) permanently attaching (130) at least one rigid element (220; 320) at least partly on the stretched stretchable portion (210; 310) so that the stretched stretchable portion (210; 310) is locked.