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FOOTWEAR MODULAR DESIGN FOR ELDERLY WOMEN

Mariana Costea, Bogdan Sarghie, Aura Mihai, Ana Maria Vasilescu

Abstract

The research presented in this article is concentrated on developing a series of instruments in order to include modular design in producing customized footwear for the elderly women. For those who live longer, it is important that they stay healthy, active and independent and, as a consequence, it reflects in the market growth of the industry producing goods for the elderly, the footwear industry as well. The loss of the ability to walk due to foot problem, not only produces physical limitations, but also has a significant impact on the persons' mental, social, and economic status. The shoe is a product that can be split into several parts, which, by a complex distribution, can form a variety of models. The process of diversification is constrained by structural, functional and technological elements. To achieve the target we used a number of tools to implement modular computer aided design. The classic 3D and 2D design stages of footwear upper assembly have been reconsidered in order to adapt to fast design requirements. A large number of shoe's characteristics have an important impact on the balance of elderly people. Among these are included: heel height, back collar height, sole hardness, midsole and heel geometry and slip resistance of the outsole. By applying a structural matrix, the concept of modular process in producing footwear is proposed. In order to develop a modular process, the architecture of a footwear family of models is defined. A methodology of creating footwear products customized for elderly people is defined for two categories of women's trainer shoes and women's sandals. It is proposed in this regard, a family of models based on a standard and unified product.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2017/21/s07.043

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