Assembly of Components

The shoe frame is the base component onto which other components will be attached to through the following steps:

1.     Sew the buckle to the shoe frame at the designated points on the outer sides of the shoe frame

2.    Sew the straps to the designated points on the inner side of the shoe frame

3.     Connect the small diameter of the conical spring to the underside of the shoe frame at the heel section

4.     Connect the large diameter section of the conical spring to the sole component

Prototype verification

- The comfort and stability of the mechanism at the chosen spring-free length and corresponding heel elevation will be tested to determine the suitable spring-free length.

- The mechanism’s ability to interface with different shoe types such as sneakers and rubbers will also be tested in order to determine the most suitable shoe frame width and strap length.

- The overall damping of the force on the heel will be tested by participants in order to determine the most suitable spring thickness and pitch that will provide the required comfort to the user.