Variable Position Anchor Insole for Open-Style Footwear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insoles fail to effectively attach to open-style footwear like sandals and thongs, which lack side and heel walls, and do not allow users to select specific attachment points on the shoe surface, limiting their fit and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A variable position anchor system for insoles with perforated sections and marking systems, allowing users to customize attachment points on both the insole and shoe surface using non-contiguous anchors and removable slits, enabling flexible and customizable attachment for open-toe shoes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional insoles are used in open-style footwear, then the insole can provide basic foot support, but the insole cannot securely attach to the shoe surface due to lack of side and heel walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfit customization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insole is divided into multiple detachable sections connected by perforated lines, allowing users to separate and reconfigure the insole to accommodate different foot shapes and open-toe shoe designs. This segmentation enables secure attachment while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insole incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration. Users can modify the insole's structure by separating sections and adjusting positioning to fit different shoe styles and foot profiles, transforming a static insole into a dynamic, adaptable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixed attachment points are used on insoles, then the attachment location is predetermined, but the user cannot select specific attachment positions on the shoe surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment positioningVSAvoidattachment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from fixed to dynamic positioning. Anchors can be placed at multiple locations along the insole edges, and users can adjust anchor positions and shoe surface attachment points to customize fit. This dynamic system provides ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is designed with universal anchors that can engage at multiple positions along the insole edges and on the shoe surface. This multi-functional attachment mechanism allows a single system to accommodate various shoe styles and foot shapes without requiring multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the insole is made as a single continuous piece, then manufacturing is simpler, but the insole cannot accommodate thong styles or provide customized fit for different foot profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot profile accommodationVSAvoidinsole fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insole is constructed from multiple sections connected by perforated lines, allowing users to separate and reconfigure the insole to accommodate different foot shapes and open-toe shoe designs. This segmentation enables secure attachment while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insole is pre-cut with perforated lines and marked with guiding indicators during manufacturing. These preliminary preparations enable users to easily separate and reconfigure the insole sections at home without complex tools or instructions, balancing manufacturing simplicity with user adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive is used to attach insole to shoe, then attachment is simple, but the user cannot selectively attach at specific positions or adjust for different shoe designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment position selectionVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is extracted from a continuous adhesive layer and concentrated into discrete anchor points. These anchors can be positioned at specific locations on the insole edges and matched with corresponding anchors on the shoe surface, enabling selective attachment positions while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is designed to be self-adjusting. Users can easily reposition anchors along the insole edges and on the shoe surface to accommodate different foot shapes and shoe designs without requiring complex tools or procedures. The system serves itself by allowing user-driven customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10568384B2Sole insert with mating attachment system

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 GLAZE HORACE DEAN

AI summary

An insole for open-styled footwear that includes a mating attachment system for variably affixing the insole into footwear.