Footwear Upper Membrane Zoning for Waterproof Entry Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe uppers made from membrane materials are often bulky, leading to a tight instep and difficulty in putting on the shoe, while also lacking in waterproofness and comfort during intensive use.
Innovation Solution
The shoe upper incorporates two distinct membrane regions with different sets of characteristics, such as varying elasticity and waterproofness, to facilitate instep entry, provide reliable hold, and enhance waterproofness and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membrane materials are used to provide waterproofness, then waterproofness is improved, but the instep becomes tight and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple membrane regions (first membrane region and second membrane region) with different characteristics. The first membrane region provides waterproofness while the second membrane region with higher elasticity facilitates instep entry, resolving the contradiction between waterproofness and ease of entry.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upper are assigned different membrane characteristics. The first membrane region has lower elasticity for waterproofness in critical areas, while the second membrane region has higher elasticity for comfort and ease of entry, allowing each region to optimize for its specific function.
2Reliability
If membrane materials are used to provide waterproofness, then waterproofness is improved, but comfort during intensive use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is segmented into multiple membrane regions with different elasticity characteristics. The second membrane region with higher elasticity provides comfort during intensive use, while the first membrane region maintains waterproofness, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different membrane properties to different regions: the first membrane region with lower elasticity ensures waterproofness in areas requiring it, while the second membrane region with higher elasticity ensures comfort during intensive activities, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single membrane material is used throughout the upper, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different functional requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple membrane regions that can be manufactured separately or as integrated zones with different properties. This segmentation allows the patent to achieve both manufacturing feasibility and functional adaptability by creating distinct regions for different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality variations by using different membrane characteristics in different regions. This allows the upper to adapt to different functional requirements (waterproofness vs. elasticity) while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing process by working with membrane materials that can be varied in properties rather than completely different materials.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper for an article of footwear. The upper comprises a first membrane region having a first set of characteristics, and second membrane region located in an area of the upper which is different from the first membrane region and having a second set of characteristics, a first value of at least one of the characteristics of the second set of characteristics being different from a second value of the corresponding characteristic of the first set of characteristics. Also, a shoe with such an upper.