Waterproof Sole Insert Using Composite ePTFE Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe soles with waterproof and vapor-permeable membranes face issues such as limited vapor permeability, mechanical strength, contamination resistance, and degradation due to the use of thin membranes and protective layers, which compromise durability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure comprising multiple functional layers of polymeric material with enhanced thickness for increased penetration resistance, combined with auxiliary layers for improved flexibility and vapor permeability, is used to create a waterproof and vapor-permeable sole insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If thin films of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are used to create waterproof and vapor-permeable membranes, then vapor permeability is improved, but mechanical strength and penetration resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining expanded polytetrafluoroethylene films with support fabrics or reinforcement layers to create a multi-layer structure that provides both vapor permeability and mechanical strength. The composite structure allows the thin film to maintain its vapor-permeable properties while the supporting layers provide the necessary mechanical reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible thin films of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as the core vapor-permeable layer, maintaining the flexibility and vapor permeability characteristics while integrating them into a larger structural system that provides mechanical support through lamination with supportive materials.
2Ease of operation
If thin films are used for membranes, then flexibility and softness are improved, but penetration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite material structures where thin flexible films are laminated with supportive fabrics or reinforcement layers. This composite approach allows the thin film to provide flexibility and vapor permeability while the supporting layers contribute penetration resistance and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the penetration resistance issue by adding dimensional complexity through multi-layer construction. Instead of relying on a single thin layer, the solution distributes functional requirements across multiple layers with different thicknesses and properties, achieving both flexibility and resistance in a three-dimensional structure.
3Strength
If protective layers are added to reinforce membranes, then mechanical strength is improved, but vapor permeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing reinforcement only in specific areas where mechanical strength is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire membrane. The support layers are strategically positioned and configured to provide structural support while leaving the vapor-permeable pathways intact in critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction with carefully selected layers that have complementary properties. The protective and support layers are designed with appropriate porosity and structural characteristics to provide mechanical strength while maintaining vapor permeability through the overall composite structure.
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 a sole that effectively dissipates larger quantities of water vapor, offers higher resistance to contamination and solvents, maintains structural integrity, and is easier to clean and manufacture, while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor
Implementation Method 2
Only a marginal fraction of the moisture produced by perspiration diffuses to the sides of the upper and exits from them
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure, which includes a plurality of functional layers made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.