Waterproof Shoe Sole With Step-Like Flexible Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoes with waterproof and vapor-permeable membranes face challenges in maintaining impermeability against external humidity and water, leading to water infiltration through the outer material and stitching, which compromises comfort and increases weight due to retained moisture.
Innovation Solution
A shoe design featuring a waterproof and vapor-permeable sole and upper with a flexible, partially perforated insole and a waterproof membrane, where the sole is sealed with a flexible element having a step-like configuration to ensure a watertight seal, using materials like e-PTFE or polyurethane, and a vapor-permeable external upper and internal lining to prevent water infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If natural materials such as leather are used for vapor-permeable shoes, then vapor permeability is improved, but waterproofness deteriorates as water penetrates through the material and stitching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a waterproof outer material with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane as lining. This composite construction allows the shoe to simultaneously achieve vapor permeability (through the membrane's microporous structure) and waterproofness (through the membrane's hydrophobic properties and the sealed construction), resolving the contradiction between natural material breathability and water protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane is used in the sole, then waterproofness is improved, but water infiltration occurs through stitching and assembly regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sole into multiple functional zones: a waterproof outer sole, a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane layer, and a perforated insole. The assembly margin is also segmented into specific regions (first and second regions) with different functions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall waterproofness through sealed connections between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible waterproof element with a step-like configuration that creates an overlapping assembly margin. This flexible membrane structure allows for sealed connections between different components (outer sole, membrane, insole) while maintaining waterproofness. The thin film structure of the membrane provides both waterproofness and vapor permeability, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and breathability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the assembly margin is folded and glued to ensure waterproofness, then waterproofness is improved, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a pre-formed step-like configuration in the flexible waterproof element during manufacturing. This preliminary structural feature creates defined overlapping regions that guide the assembly process, ensuring consistent waterproof sealing without requiring high-precision manual folding and gluing of the assembly margin. The step configuration is built-in beforehand, making the waterproof seal less dependent on variable assembly operations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed sock-like lining is used, then waterproofness is improved, but water retention between lining and upper causes humidity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a perforated insole with through-openings that allows water to drain from the interior of the shoe. This porous structure prevents water retention between the lining and upper by providing escape paths for condensed moisture, while the waterproof membrane ensures that external water cannot penetrate. The perforated design resolves the contradiction by allowing internal moisture egress while maintaining external waterproofness.
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 design ensures complete waterproofness and vapor permeability, preventing water infiltration through the sole and upper, maintaining comfort by eliminating moisture retention and weight increase, while allowing for simple and quick manufacturing using known technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane D1
Implementation Method 2
a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane D1
Implementation Method 3
a lower part B which is perforated, a characteristic which makes it vapor-permeable
Implementation Method 4
a flexible element (18) which is associated in a downward region with respect to the insole (16), at least partially perforated or vapor-permeable at a vapor permeation area (19), where it also has a greater thickness which creates a step (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A shoe including a waterproof and vapor-permeable sole and an assembly associated in an upper region with respect to the sole. The assembly includes: an external vapor-permeable upper, an internal lining and, interposed between them, a first waterproof and vapor-permeable functional element, and a perforated or vapor-permeable insole, which is joined in a perimetric region at least to the lining. A flexible waterproof element is associated in a lower region with respect to the insole, at least partially perforated or vapor-permeable at a vapor permeation area, the sole being joined perimetrically to form a seal to the assembly and to the flexible element.