Waterproof Breathable Shoe With Ventilated Sole Lateral Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoes lack comprehensive waterproofing and breathability, especially in the sole area, leading to discomfort and moisture buildup in various weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof, breathable shoe design featuring a ventilating sole element with lateral passages and a functional layer arrangement that includes laminated membrane pieces, ensuring 360° water protection while allowing for effective water vapor discharge through the upper and sole materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof membrane is provided below the insole, then waterproofing is improved, but breathability and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidbreathability and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into multiple functional layers: a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane layer, a ventilating sole element layer with through-holes, and a flat element layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the membrane provides waterproofing while the ventilating elements provide breathability, resolving the contradiction between waterproofing and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilating sole element introduces localized perforations and through-holes in specific regions of the sole, creating areas of high breathability while maintaining waterproofing in other areas through the membrane. This local differentiation of properties allows the shoe to be both waterproof and breathable where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the shoe is designed for comprehensive waterproofing, then water protection is improved, but moisture discharge and breathability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater protectionVSAvoidmoisture buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof vapor-permeable membrane and the ventilating sole element with through-holes create a porous structure that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. This enables the shoe to maintain comprehensive waterproofing while simultaneously allowing moisture discharge, eliminating the trade-off between water protection and breathability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of operation

If horizontal air vents are provided in the outsole, then ventilation is improved, but waterproofing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveventilationVSAvoidwaterproofing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof vapor-permeable membrane acts as a flexible barrier that covers the horizontal air vents and through-holes in the ventilating sole element. This thin film allows air and vapor to pass through for ventilation while preventing liquid water from entering, thus maintaining both ventilation and waterproofing simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides excellent waterproofing and breathability, preventing water ingress while efficiently discharging moisture, maintaining comfort in wet conditions and enhancing durability by preventing dirt and debris buildup.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane, which is associated with the upper part and/or with the sole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor permeability: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

waterproof protection all around the foot... preventing water ingress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of lateral passages extend from said structure or material through a side wall of said ventilating sole element, said lateral passages allowing for communication of air between said structure or material of said ventilating sole element and an outside of said ventilating sole element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 4

permit moisture to leave the inside of the upper assembly through the membrane and through the sole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2611322B1Waterproof, breathable shoe and method for manufacturing a shoe

Publication Date: 2019.01.16 W L GORE & ASSOC GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d

AI summary

A Waterproof, breathable shoe according to the present invention comprises an upper assembly (8) with an upper portion (10) including a breathable outer material (11) and with a bottom portion (20), said upper assembly (8) comprising a waterproof, breathable functional layer arrangement (18; 13, 21) extending over said upper portion (10) and said bottom portion (20). The shoe further comprises a ventilating sole element having a structure or material allowing for air flow through it, said ventilating sole element being attached to said upper assembly (8), wherein at least one lateral passage (50) extends from said structure or material through a side wall (702) of said ventilating sole element, said lateral passage (50) allowing for communication of air between said structure or material of said ventilating sole element and an outside of said ventilating sole element.