An innovative virtual-engineering system for supporting integrated footwear design. (4th June 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azariadis, Philip; Moulianitis, Vassilis; Melis, Jose Olaso; Alemany, Sandra; Gonzalez, Juan; Jong, Pamela; Dunias, Paraskevas; Zande, Marc; Brands, Dave
• Is Part Of: International journal of intelligent engineering informatics. Volume 1: Number 1 (2010)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2010-06-04
• Subjects: shoe design -- functional criteria -- shoe performance rating -- simulation -- integrated design -- virtual engineering platform -- footwear design -- product design -- shoe fitting -- thermal comfort; Artificial intelligence -- Engineering applications -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; 620.0028563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-8715

Abstract

This paper presents a new virtual-engineering platform, called as virtual shoe test bed (VSTB), for supporting the design of footwear from the engineering point of view. The proposed VSTB system includes various functional design criteria in order to support the definition of the best solution for each product utilising scenarios based on user needs and preferences. Using the proposed virtual-engineering system a designer is able to simulate the behaviour of footwear components and the interaction between shoe and user in order to derive a predictive estimation of the fitting, thermal comfort and performance ratings without the necessity to manufacture and validate physical prototypes. The present paper describes the architecture, the tests implemented in the final system along with corresponding lab experiments conducted in terms of industrial validation. All results and hints for future research are reported and discussed.