Variable Geometry Shoe Tree for Upper Shape Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Athletic footwear uppers deform over time, leading to poor fit and comfort issues, and are prone to bacterial growth and odor due to moisture retention, with no effective method to maintain shape and prevent microbial growth.

Innovation Solution

A shoe tree apparatus with variable geometry and resiliently biased construction, including a toe shaping member, medial and lateral members, and a central member, that applies biasing pressure to maintain the upper shape and includes features for breathability and antimicrobial properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the upper is made of leather or similar materials to provide support and protection, then the structural integrity is improved, but moisture retention increases leading to bacterial growth and odor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmoisture retention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe tree acts as an intermediary device inserted between the foot and the upper interior. It provides structural support to maintain upper shape while its breathable construction allows moisture vapor to escape, preventing the harmful moisture retention that occurs with traditional leather uppers alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shoe tree incorporates porous or breathable materials in its construction, allowing moisture vapor to pass through the shoe tree structure. This prevents moisture accumulation in the upper interior while the shoe tree maintains the structural shape of the upper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the upper retains moisture from sweat, then the material properties are maintained, but bacterial growth is promoted leading to malodor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial propertiesVSAvoidbacterial growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe tree converts the harmful effect of moisture retention into a beneficial outcome by providing a breathable pathway for moisture vapor. The moisture that would otherwise be trapped and promote bacterial growth is now channeled through the breathable shoe tree structure to escape, thereby eliminating the condition that promotes bacterial growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Shape

If a traditional shoe tree is used to maintain upper shape, then the shape stability is improved, but it does not provide breathability or antimicrobial properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper shape stabilityVSAvoidlack of breathability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe tree is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: maintaining upper shape stability through its structural form, providing breathability through porous materials, and offering antimicrobial protection through treated surfaces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the upper is tightly fitted to provide support, then the athletic performance is improved, but the upper deforms over time leading to poor fit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveathletic performanceVSAvoidfit duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe tree is inserted into the upper before use to preliminarily establish and maintain the correct upper shape. By preventing deformation during storage and non-use periods, the shoe tree ensures that when the athlete uses the footwear, the upper is already in its optimal shape for performance, and this shape is maintained over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 shoe tree apparatus effectively maintains the original shape of the upper, prevents bacterial growth, and reduces odor by applying biasing pressure and providing breathability, enhancing comfort and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring assembly connected to the medial member and the lateral member for biasing against the toe shaping member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring assembly connected to the medial member and the lateral member for biasing against the toe shaping member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The breathable material allows moisture vapor to escape from the upper interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

The antimicrobial treated surface prevents bacterial growth on the shoe tree

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial treatment:

Data Source

PatentUS8001642B2Shoe tree with variable geometry

Publication Date: 2011.08.23 NIKE INC

AI summary

A shaping apparatus for an article of footwear is provided to maintain the shape of an upper. An insertable apparatus includes a toe shaping member. A medial shaping member may engage a medial side of the upper. A lateral shaping member may engage a lateral side of the upper. The medial shaping member and lateral shaping member are resiliently disposed on the toe shaping member. A rear biasing member may be attached to the medial shaping member and the lateral shaping member.