Waterproof Shoe Sole With Segmented Hollow Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe soles face challenges such as limited mechanical strength, vulnerability to foreign objects, reduced air circulation, and dirt accumulation, which compromise vapor permeation and insulation, especially in cold climates.
Innovation Solution
A sole design featuring a contoured first element with a hollow lower portion and a second flat element with recesses and protrusions for air passages, combined with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane, and a filler element for enhanced ventilation and protection, ensuring effective air exchange and membrane integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perforated elastomer sole with a waterproof membrane is used, then vapor permeation is improved, but mechanical strength decreases and foreign objects penetrate through the holes
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple functional layers: a tread layer with holes for vapor passage, a waterproof membrane layer for vapor permeation, and a support layer for mechanical strength. Each layer performs a specific function, and together they resolve the contradiction between vapor permeation and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole combines different materials with complementary properties: elastomer for flexibility and hole formation, waterproof membrane for vapor permeation, and support material (felt or diffusely perforated material) for mechanical strength. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of vapor permeation and mechanical strength.
2Strength
If protective layers are added below the membrane, then mechanical strength is improved, but vapor permeation decreases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is designed with specific local properties: it is positioned only where mechanical strength is needed (below the membrane), and its material composition (felt or diffusely perforated material) is selected to provide strength while maintaining vapor permeation. This localized approach prevents unnecessary reduction in vapor permeation.
3Productivity
If the number of holes and their diameter are increased, then air circulation is improved, but vulnerability to foreign objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole structure is segmented into multiple small holes distributed across the tread surface, rather than a few large holes. This segmentation increases total surface area for air circulation while keeping individual hole sizes small enough to prevent foreign object penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof membrane acts as an intermediary barrier that allows vapor passage while blocking foreign objects. The support layer below the membrane provides additional protection against foreign objects while maintaining vapor permeation, thus mediating between air circulation needs and foreign object prevention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the membrane contacts the rubber tread substantially totally, then structural integrity is improved, but air circulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact between membrane and tread is segmented rather than continuous. The tread has holes that create discrete contact points between the membrane and tread layers, allowing air to circulate through the holes while maintaining structural integrity at the contact points.
5Reliability
If through holes are provided in the tread, then vapor exchange is improved, but insulation capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holes are distributed locally across the tread surface rather than being concentrated in one area. This local distribution allows vapor exchange to occur at multiple points while maintaining overall insulation capacity, as the remaining solid material provides thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole combines materials with different thermal properties: the elastomer and support layers provide thermal insulation, while the hole structure enables vapor exchange. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of vapor exchange and insulation.
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 solution provides optimal heat and water vapor exchange, protects the membrane from foreign objects and dirt, and maintains insulation, making it suitable for various climates and shoe types while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber sole through which correct vapor permeation is ensured by way of an effective exchange of heat and water vapor between the environment inside the shoe and the external environment
Implementation Method 2
Such rubber sole ensures at the same time the necessary waterproofing with respect to external humidity and water
Implementation Method 3
ensuring a good exchange of heat and water vapor between the inside of the shoe and the outside
Implementation Method 4
the surface occupied by the holes is much smaller than the total area of the sole, limiting air circulation... unable to ensure the correct level of thermal insulation in countries characterized by cold climates
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof and vapor-permeable sole for shoes, including: a first contoured element including at least one hollow lower portion in the plantar region, delimited by a border and including at least one through opening, at least one second contoured and flat element, which is joined in a lower region with respect to the first element; at least one functional element substantially in sheet form, which is waterproof and vapor-permeable and is joined in an upper region to provide a seal to the first element. The second element has a shorter extension than the respective hollow lower portion to define with the border a surrounding slot.