Method, Apparatus and Computer Program for Optimizing a Shape of a Radio Frequency Electrode

Abstract

Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for optimizing a shape of a radio frequency (RF) top electrode. The method may comprise a step of loading a digital model of the top electrode and a digital model of a bottom electrode. The method may comprise a step of performing a first simulation of an application of RF from the digital model of the top electrode to the digital model of the bottom electrode. The method may comprise a step of determining a first distribution of heat in a synthetic material arranged between the digital model of the top electrode and the digital model of the bottom electrode according to the first simulation. The method may comprise a step of adjusting the digital model of the top electrode based on the first distribution of heat. In addition, a corresponding data processing device, computer program, a top electrode as well as a method for producing a footwear layer using the top electrode is disclosed. Finally, a footwear article comprising the footwear layer is disclosed.

1 . A computer-implemented method for optimizing a shape of a radio frequency (RF) top electrode usable for producing a footwear layer:
 loading a digital model of the top electrode and a digital model of a bottom electrode;   performing a first simulation of an application of RF from the digital model of the top electrode to the digital model of the bottom electrode;   determining a first distribution of heat in a synthetic material arranged between the digital model of the top electrode and the digital model of the bottom electrode according to the first simulation; and   adjusting the digital model of the top electrode based on the first distribution of heat.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 performing, in a subsequent simulation iteration, a second simulation of the application of RF from the adjusted digital model of the top electrode to the digital model of the bottom electrode;   determining a second distribution of heat in the synthetic material arranged between the adjusted digital model of the top electrode and the digital model of the bottom electrode according to the second simulation; and   adjusting the adjusted digital model of the top electrode based on the second distribution of heat.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein adjusting comprises:
 adapting a surface of the digital model of the top electrode based on the first and/or the second distribution of heat and a reference distribution of heat.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the surface of the digital model of the top electrode comprises:
 a plurality of parts, wherein each part is associated with a position of the synthetic material; and   wherein each part of the plurality of parts is associated with a temperature of the first and/or second distribution of heat in the synthetic material at the associated position.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein adapting the surface of the digital model of the top electrode further comprises:
 determining at least one position of the synthetic material in which a temperature difference between the first distribution of heat and the reference distribution of heat and/or between the second distribution of heat and the reference distribution exists; and   increasing and/or decreasing a height of a part of the plurality of parts associated with the at least one position according to the temperature difference.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein each part of the plurality of parts is of cuboid shape. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing the first and/or second simulation of the application of RF comprises:
 simulating a heating procedure of the synthetic material using RF based on at least one heat equation.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein simulating the heating procedure based on the at least one heat equation is done for a predetermined number of iterations; and
 wherein each iteration is associated with a predefined duration of the heating procedure and/or a predefined amount of RF applied during the heating procedure.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 providing the first and/or second distribution of heat on a display; and   receiving a user input comprising the reference distribution of heat via a display command.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the footwear layer is a midsole; and/or
 wherein the synthetic material comprises a polymer.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 manufacturing a top electrode based on the adjusted digital model of the top electrode.   
     
     
         12 . A data processing device comprising means for performing the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A computer program or a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . A top electrode as obtained by performing the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A method for producing a footwear layer, the method comprising:
 creating a mold for the footwear layer using the top electrode of claim  14 ; and   producing the footwear layer using the mold comprising the top electrode.   
     
     
         16 . A footwear article comprising a footwear layer as obtained by performing the method for producing a footwear layer according to  claim 15 .