Automatic shoe lacing system, device and technology

Abstract

The present specification discusses various shoe lacing engine configurations for an automated shoe platform. For example, a shoe lacing engine having a mechanism for detecting shoe lacing cable position and / or shoe lacing cable tension is discussed. In an example, the shoe lacing engine may include a housing, a shoe lacing spool, and a detection mechanism. The shoe lacing spool may be at least partially disposed within the housing and adapted to collect a portion of the shoe lacing cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the shoe platform. The detection mechanism may detect a state of a shoe lacing cable manipulated by the shoe lacing engine.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 201880048319.8 and the title "Automatic Shoe Lacing System, Device and Technology", and the application date is May 31, 2018.

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 1062 / 513213, filed on May 31, 2017, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The following specification describes various aspects of a shoe assembly, the shoe assembly including a lacing system that includes an electric or non - electric lacing engine, shoe components related to the lacing engine, an automatic lacing shoe platform, and related concepts. More specifically, most of the following specification describes various aspects of a lacing engine architecture (configuration) for a shoe that includes electric or non - electric automatic shoe lace tightening. This specification may also discuss related concepts such as battery charging devices, storage and delivery packaging, and shoe user interfaces. Background Art

[0005] The shoe assembly includes a lacing system that includes an electric or non - electric lacing engine, shoe components related to the lacing engine, an automatic lacing shoe platform, and related concepts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lacing engine for an automatic shoe platform is provided, the lacing engine including: a housing; a shoe lace spool at least partially disposed within the housing, the shoe lace spool being adapted to collect a portion of a shoe lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the shoe platform; and a detection mechanism that directly measures a characteristic of the shoe lace cable when the lacing engine manipulates the shoe lace cable.

[0007] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a lever that includes a free end and a pivot end adapted to follow the contour of the shoe lace spool.

[0008] In some embodiments, the shoe lace spool includes a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the free end of the lever.

[0009] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a sensor to detect when the free end of the lever is received within the cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shoe lace spool is adapted to collect the shoe lace cable upon rotation in the first direction, and when collecting at least a first portion of the shoe lace cable, the free end of the lever cannot be received within the cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a cut-off switch that is activated when the free end of the lever is received in the recess.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cut-off switch operates to cut off the power to the motor that operates the shoelace engine.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a cut-off switch and a separate portion of the shoelace spool.

[0014] In some embodiments, the separate portion of the shoelace spool includes a bent portion of the shoelace spool that is pivotally coupled to the shoelace spool.

[0015] In some embodiments, the shoelace cable is fixed to the first end of the separate portion, where the first end is opposite the second end that is pivotally coupled to the shoelace spool.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cut-off switch is positioned along the housing such that when the shoelace cable is in a first state, the first end of the separate portion of the shoelace spool contacts the cut-off switch.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the shoelace cable reaches the first state, continued rotation of the shoelace spool causes the separate portion to pivot radially outward to contact the cut-off switch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes an optical sensor adapted to sense a characteristic of the shoelace cable.

[0019] In some embodiments, the optical sensor senses the transition from a first portion of the shoelace cable to a second portion of the shoelace cable.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first portion of the shoelace cable is a first color and the second portion of the shoelace cable is a second color.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first portion of the shoelace cable includes a first pattern within the shoelace cable and the second portion includes a second pattern within the shoelace cable.

[0022] In some embodiments, the optical sensor detects an end portion of the shoelace cable.

[0023] In some embodiments, the end portion of the shoelace cable includes a unique color or a unique pattern relative to the remainder of the shoelace cable.

[0024] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a force sensor to detect the tension on the shoelace cable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a pin or a pulley that houses a portion of the shoelace cable.

[0026] In some embodiments, the force sensor contacts the pin or pulley to detect the tension transmitted from this portion of the shoelace cable to the pin or pulley.

[0027] In some embodiments, this portion of the shoelace cable is wound 90 degrees around the circumference of the pin or pulley.

[0028] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a strain gauge to detect the tension on the shoelace cable.

[0029] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a pin or pulley positioned adjacent to the shoelace spool outlet to receive a portion of the shoelace cable around the circumference of the pin or pulley.

[0030] In some embodiments, the strain gauge is integrated into the pin or pulley to detect the strain caused by the tension on the shoelace cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, the various embodiments discussed in this document.

[0032] Figure 1 is an exploded view of components that are part of a shoe assembly having an electric shoelace system according to some example embodiments.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example shoelace engine and load cell force detection device according to some example embodiments.

[0034] Figures 3A - 3B is a diagram showing an electrode technique for detecting the end of shoelace travel within an automatic shoe platform according to some example embodiments.

[0035] Figures 4A - 4B is a diagram showing a lever and recess assembly for detecting the position or end of shoelace travel within an automatic shoe platform according to some example embodiments.

[0036] Figures 5A - 5B is a diagram showing a split spool assembly for detecting the end of shoelace travel within an automatic shoe platform according to some example embodiments.

[0037] Figures 6A - 6B is a diagram showing an optical sensor assembly for detecting different markings on a shoelace cable within an automatic shoe platform according to some example embodiments.

[0038] Figures 7A - 7BFIG. is a diagram showing various shoelace tension detection components in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0039] Figures 8A - 8B FIG. is a diagram showing a force-sensing resistor-based shoelace tension detection component in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0040] Any headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used under that heading. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The concept of self-tightening shoelaces was first popularized by the fictional power laces worn by Marty McFly in the 1989 movie Back to the Future II. Since then, at least one pair of sneakers with power laces has been released, which resembles the movie prop from Back to the Future II. The internal mechanical systems and surrounding shoe platforms employed may not be suitable for mass production and / or everyday use. Additionally, other prior designs for electric shoelace systems have relatively suffered from problems such as high manufacturing costs, complexity, assembly challenges, and poor repairability. The present inventors have developed various concepts to provide modular shoe platforms to accommodate electric and non-electric shoelace engines, which address some or all of the problems discussed above, among others. To fully utilize the modular shoelace engine briefly discussed below and more detailedly discussed in the co-pending application serial number 15 / 450860, entitled "Shoelace Device for an Automated Shoe Platform", the present inventors have developed various alternative and complementary shoelace engine designs, battery chargers, user interface concepts, and display / carrying cases discussed herein.

[0042] The electric shoelace engine discussed below, along with the alternative concepts discussed throughout, was developed from the ground up to provide robust, repairable, and interchangeable components for an automated shoelace shoe platform. The shoelace engine includes unique design elements that enable retail-level final assembly to be a modular shoe platform. The shoelace engine design allows most shoe assembly processes to utilize known assembly techniques, and the unique adaptations to standard assembly processes can still utilize current assembly resources. Figure 1

[0043] ​In an example, the modular automated shoelace tying shoe platform includes a midsole plate fixed to the midsole for receiving a shoelace tying engine. The design of the midsole plate allows the shoelace tying engine to be placed in the shoe platform until purchase. The midsole plate and other aspects of the modular automated shoe platform allow different types of shoelace tying engines to be interchangeably used. For example, the electric shoelace tying engine discussed below can be replaced with a manual shoelace tying engine. Alternatively, a fully automated electric shoelace tying engine with foot presence sensing or other optional features can be accommodated in a standard midsole plate.

[0044] Using an electric or non-electric centralized shoelace tying engine to tighten a sports shoe presents some challenges in providing sufficient performance without sacrificing a certain level of comfort. The shoelace tying architecture discussed herein has been specifically designed to work with a centralized shoelace tying engine and is designed to enable a variety of shoe designs from casual to high-performance.

[0045] This initial overview is intended to introduce the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive interpretation of the various inventions disclosed in the more detailed description that follows.

[0046] Automated shoe platform

[0047] The following discusses various components of the automated shoe platform, including an electric shoelace tying engine, a midsole plate, and various other components of the platform. Although much of this disclosure focuses on the shoelace tying architecture for use with an electric shoelace tying engine, the designs discussed are applicable to manual shoelace tying engines or other electric shoelace tying engines with additional or fewer features. Thus, the term "automated" as used in "automated shoe platform" is not intended to cover only systems that operate without user input. Instead, the term "automated shoe platform" includes a variety of electric and manual, automatically actuated and manually actuated mechanisms for tightening the shoelaces or maintaining the system of a shoe.

[0048] Figure 1 is an exploded view of components of an electric shoelace tying system for a shoe according to some example embodiments. Figure 1 The electric shoelace tying system 1 shown includes a shoelace tying engine 10, a cover 20, an actuator 30, a midsole plate 40, a midsole plate 50, and an outsole 60. Figure 1Illustrates the basic assembly sequence of the components of an automatic lacing shoe platform. The electric lacing system 1 begins with securing the midsole plate 40 within the midsole. Next, the actuator 30 is inserted into an opening in the side of the midsole plate opposite the interface button that can be embedded in the outsole 60. Next, the lacing engine 10 is placed into the midsole plate 40. In the example, the lacing system 1 is inserted under a continuous loop of lacing cable, and the lacing cable is aligned with a spool (discussed below) in the lacing engine 10. Finally, the cover 20 is inserted into a recess in the midsole plate 40, secured in the closed position, and latched in a recess in the midsole plate 40. The cover 20 can capture the lacing engine 10 and can help maintain the alignment of the lacing cable during operation.

[0049] In the example, the footwear item or the electric lacing system 1 includes or is configured to interface with one or more sensors that can monitor or determine foot presence characteristics. Based on information from the one or more foot presence sensors, the footwear including the electric lacing system 1 can be configured to perform various functions. For example, the foot presence sensors can be configured to provide binary information regarding whether a foot is present in the shoe. If the binary signal from the foot presence sensors indicates the presence of a foot, the electric lacing system 1 can be activated to automatically tighten or loosen (i.e., slacken) the shoe lacing cable. In the example, the footwear item includes a processor circuit that can receive or interpret signals from the foot presence sensors. The processor circuit can optionally be embedded within or cooperate with the lacing engine 10, such as in the bottom of the footwear item.

[0050] Figure 2 Is a diagram of the various internal components of the lacing engine 10 according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 Also illustrates how a load sensor can be incorporated into a lacing engine such as the lacing engine 10. In this example, the lacing engine 10 also includes a spool magnet 136, an O-ring seal 138, a worm drive 140, a bushing 141, a worm drive key 142, a gearbox 144, a gear motor 145, a motor encoder 146, a motor circuit board 147, a worm gear 150, a circuit board 160, a motor plug 161, a battery connector 162, and a wired charging plug 163. The spool magnet 136 helps via a magnetometer ( Figure 2The detection of (not shown in the figure) is used to track the movement of the spool 130. The O-ring seal 138 serves to seal dirt and moisture that may migrate around the spool 133 into the lacing engine 10. In this example, a load cell can be incorporated on the outer side of the bushing 141 to detect the force transmitted from the spool 130 to the worm drive 140 through the worm gear 150. Information from the load cell can be used as an input for tension control to tighten or loosen the shoelace tension based on an inference of the activity level experienced by the shoe. For example, if the load cell detects frequent impact loads on the shoelaces, it can be inferred that the activity level is high (such as during a basketball game). Alternatively, if the load cell detects little or no impact load, the lacing engine can infer that the activity level is low and may loosen the shoelaces.

[0051] In this example, the main drive components of the lacing engine 10 include the worm drive 140, the worm gear 150, the geared motor 145, and the gearbox 144. The worm gear 150 is designed to prevent backdriving of the worm drive 140 and the geared motor 145, which means that the main input force entering from the lacing cable via the spool 130 is resolved on the larger worm and worm gear teeth. This arrangement protects the gearbox 144 from needing to include gears of sufficient strength to withstand dynamic loads from active use of the shoe platform or tightening loads from tightening the lacing system. The worm drive 140 includes additional features that help protect the more vulnerable parts of the drive system such as the worm drive key 142. In this example, the worm drive key 142 is a radial slot in the motor end of the worm drive 140, and the worm drive 140 is connected to the pin through a drive shaft coming out of the gearbox 144. This arrangement prevents the worm drive 140 from applying any axial force on the gearbox 144 or the geared motor 145 by allowing the worm drive 140 to move freely in the axial direction (away from the gearbox 144) that transfers these axial loads to the bushing 141 and the housing structure 100. As described above, this arrangement also allows the load cell to be conveniently placed on the outer side of the bushing 141 to measure the axial force on the driving force training from the shoelaces.

[0052] Within an automated shoe platform using an automated lacing engine, it may be important to detect various parameters regarding the position and / or tension of the shoelaces. Various concepts for detecting the position and / or tension of the shoelaces within a lacing engine such as the lacing engine 10 discussed above are discussed below.

[0053] Figures 3A - 3BAn electrode technique for directly detecting the end of a shoelace's travel is shown. In this example, a flexible electrode is placed against a portion of a shoelace spool and impedance is measured between the electrode and the spool. When the shoelace is on the spool, the impedance will be high because the shoelace in this example is an insulator. Once the shoelace leaves the spool, the impedance decreases as the connection improves. In this example, the end of the shoelace cable is directly measured by the change in impedance measurement. Figure 3A shows a system with a shoelace on a spool, and Figure 3B The system is shown with the laces already off the spool (at least in the location of the electrode 350).

[0054] In this example, the shoe lacing engine 300 includes a plurality of components, such as a housing 310, a shoe lacing spool 320, a shoe lacing cable 330, a shoe lacing end 335, a spool hub 340, and an electrode 350. The shoe lacing cable 330 is tightened or released by the shoe lacing spool 320. The electrode 350 measures the impedance at both ends of the circuit established between the electrode 350 and the shoe lacing spool 320. In this example, the shoe lacing spool 320 acts as an electrical conductor, and the shoe lacing cable 330 acts as an insulator. Therefore, when the shoe lacing cable is wound around the shoe lacing spool 320, the electrode 350 does not contact the shoe lacing spool 320 and the circuit is complete, resulting in a high impedance of the entire circuit. When the shoe lacing spool 320 leaves the shoe lacing spool 320, the electrode 350 can contact the shoe lacing spool 320 and complete the circuit. When the electrode 350 contacts the shoelace spool 320, the impedance across the circuit drops, which can be detected by the controller circuit in the shoelace engine 300. Figure 3B As shown, when the shoelace end 335 moves past the electrode 350, the electrode 350 contacts the shoelace spool 340. Once in contact with the conductive shoelace spool 340, the electrode 350 forms a low impedance circuit.

[0055] ​​​​In an example, the shoelace cable can be made of a material with a known impedance, which can allow the electrode 350 to provide data to the controller circuit to roughly estimate the amount of shoelace cable on the shoelace spool. In this example, when measured on the circuit generated by the electrode 350 and the shoelace spool 320, the width of the shoelace cable will produce a known impedance level. Each wrap of the shoelace cable serves to increase the distance between the electrode 350 and the shoelace spool 320, which will increase the impedance level by a known amount. Since the impedance generated by the shoelace cable wrapped around the shoelace spool is not very precise, the impedance measurement can be converted into an approximation of the amount of shoelace cable wrapped around the shoelace spool. In some examples, the dimensions of the shoelace spool can be adjusted in such a way that each wrap of the shoelace cable does not always increase the gap between the electrode and the shoelace spool by the width of the shoelace cable. In these examples, the impedance measurement provides a rough approximation estimate of the shoelace cable on the shoelace spool. In some examples, the impedance measurement between the electrode 350 and the shoelace spool 320 can provide approximations such as the shoelace spool is full, 3 / 4 full, 1 / 2 full, 1 / 4 full, or empty.

[0056] Figures 4A - 4B A lever and recess assembly for detecting the position of the shoelace (e.g., the end of shoelace travel) is shown. In this example, the spring-loaded lever abuts against the shoelace spool and falls into a recess of the shoelace spool when the shoelace slides off the spool. A switch or position sensor can detect when the spring-loaded lever falls into the recess. Figure 4A The interaction between the lever and the shoelace spool before the shoelace end passes the lever is shown. Figure 4B The state when the lever falls into the recess after the shoelace end passes the lever is shown. When the shoelace cable unwinds from the shoelace spool, the lever directly measures the end of the travel state of the shoelace cable and allows the lever to fall into the recess of the shoelace spool.

[0057] In this example, the shoelace tying engine 400 can include a plurality of components such as a housing 410, a shoelace spool 420, a shoelace cable 430, a shoelace end 435, a spool hub 440, a position recess 445, and a lever 450. The lever 450 can be spring-loaded and include an integrated cut-off switch to control the electric motor within the shoelace tying engine. In this example, the lever 450 pivots about a pivot point 455 integrated into the housing 410. When the lever 450 drops into the recess 445 in the shoelace spool 420, the integrated cut-off switch is activated. The recess 445 is integrated into the inner surface of the shoelace spool 420 where the shoelace cable 430 is tightened. After at least one full layer of the shoelace cable 430 is wound around the shoelace spool 420, the recess 445 is covered by the shoelace cable 430, so the lever 450 remains in the normal position and the cut-off switch is not activated. When the shoelace spool 420 runs the shoelace end 435 through the lever 450, the lever 450 is free to drop into the recess 445 and activate the cut-off switch to stop the electric motor. In the example, the width (or depth in the figure) of the lever 450 is substantially the same as the width of the shoelace spool 420, which allows any amount of the shoelace cable 430 on the shoelace spool 420 to keep the lever 450 from dropping into the recess 445.

[0058] Figures 5A - 5B A split spool configuration for detecting the end of shoelace travel is shown. Figure 5A A split spool in a closed state is shown, with the shoelace retained on the shoelace spool. Figure 5BShows a split spool in the open state, where the shoelace has been detached from the shoelace spool, and the hinged (split) portion is extended and the cut-off switch is activated. In this example, the shoelace spool includes a hinge portion that presses down against the spool when the shoelace is wound around the spool. When the shoelace is detached from the spool, the hinge portion is pulled into the switch or sensor. Thus, when the shoelace cable pulls the hinged portion out of the shoelace spool and contacts the cut-off switch or sensor, the end of the shoelace travel state can be directly measured or detected. In this example, the shoelace tying engine 500 may include multiple structures, such as a housing 510, a split shoelace spool 520, a shoelace cable 530, a shoelace end 535, a spool hub 540, a hinged portion 550 (also referred to as a split spool portion 550), a pivot 555, and a cut-off switch 560. The shoelace cable 530 is wound around the split shoelace spool 520, and when the split shoelace spool 520 rotates around the spool hub 540, the shoelace spool 520 holds the hinged portion 550 in place. When the shoelace cable 530 is unwound from the split shoelace spool 520, the hinged portion 550 pivots around the pivot 555 and contacts the cut-off switch 560. When the hinge portion 550 contacts the cut-off switch 560, the shoelace spool 520 stops rotating counterclockwise, and any motor input is turned off. The shoelace cable 530 is connected to the hinged portion 550 at the shoelace end 535. After the hinged portion 550 contacts the cut-off switch 560, the shoelace tying engine 500 can reverse (e.g., start rotating clockwise) to wind the shoelace cable 530 onto the split shoelace spool 520. The clockwise rotation of the shoelace spool 520 will cause the hinged portion 550 to pivot back to its position on the split shoelace spool 520 as the shoelace cable 530 is wound onto the split shoelace spool 520.

[0059] Figures 6A - 6B Shows an optical sensor for detecting different marks on the shoelace cable. In this example, the shoelace cable may include features that can be detected by the optical sensor, such as colors, patterns, textures, or similar marks. The marks or features can be used to detect certain specific positions on the shoelace cable and / or operate like an encoder with regularly spaced marks. In other words, when the shoelace cable is manipulated by the shoelace tying engine, the optical sensor allows direct detection or measurement of the characteristics of the shoelace cable. As Figure 6A shown, the shoelace cable may include alternating (or similar patterns) of different colors that can be detected by the optical sensor. The different colors on the various parts of the shoelace cable can provide valuable information about shoelace travel and / or shoe tightness to the control circuit within the automatic shoelace tying engine. For example, using an alternating color pattern, the control circuit can receive regular triggers from the optical sensor, which can be used like encoder signals to track the position of the shoelace cable (e.g., how much shoelace cable the shoelace tying engine has pulled in).

[0060] In this example, the shoelace tying engine 600 can include multiple components, such as a housing 610, a shoelace spool 620, a shoelace cable 630, a shoelace end portion 635, a spool hub 640, and an optical sensor 660.

[0061] The optical sensor 660 can be used to identify transitions between different colors or shaded portions of a shoelace cable, such as shoelace cable 630. In Figure 6A and 6B , the shoelace cable 630 is shown as having alternating color or shaded portions (shown as alternating shading) and a shoelace end portion 635 of a solid color or shade specific to the end of the shoelace cable. The optical sensor 660 is tuned to identify each different transition and color / shade state during the operation of the shoelace tying engine 600. Data from the optical sensor 660 can be sent to a control circuit, which can use this data to determine, among other things, the amount of shoelace on the shoelace spool, the speed at which the shoelace is retracted or extended, or the shoelace end (e.g., shoelace end portion 635), etc.

[0062] Shoelace tension detection concept

[0063] Figures 7A - 7B is a diagram showing various shoelace tension detection components according to some example embodiments. These example components can be integrated into a shoelace tying engine for an automated shoe platform, such as those discussed above. Figure 7A A force sensor pulley combination for detecting the tension of a shoelace cable is shown. In this example, the shoelace is wrapped (90 degrees) around a pin or pulley with a force sensor positioned to sense the force exerted on the pin / pulley by the shoelace cable. In this example, the pin / pulley is loaded in a predictable manner and can then be measured by the force sensor. Alternatively, the pin or pulley can also be mounted on the force sensor to be able to directly detect and / or measure the tension of the shoelace cable. In a similar configuration, a position sensor is used to detect the movement of the pin / pulley and then convert it into a force.

[0064] In this example, the shoelace tying engine 700A may include multiple components, such as a housing 710, a spool cavity 715, a shoelace spool 720, a shoelace cable 730, a shoelace free end 735, a pulley 740, and a sensor 750. The housing 710 may include a spool cavity 715 designed to receive the shoelace spool 720, and the spool cavity may rotate to tighten or release the shoelace cable 730. One of the main functions of a shoelace tying engine, such as the shoelace tying engine 700A, is to tighten the shoelace cable to secure the shoe platform to the user's foot. In the example, the sensor 750 may detect the movement of the pulley (or pin) 740, and this movement may be converted into a force or tension applied to the shoelace cable 730. In another example, the sensor 750 may be a force sensor that directly reads the force applied by the shoelace cable 730 on the pulley 740 when the shoelace cable 730 exits the shoelace tying engine 700A. In either example, the data generated by the sensor 750 may be transmitted to a control circuit, and the control circuit may use this data to control the tightening or loosening of the shoelace cable 730 through the control of the shoelace tying engine 700A.

[0065] Figure 7B A strain gauge configuration for sensing shoelace tension is shown. In this example, the strain gauge may be located on the rod or structure where the shoelace exits the shoelace tying engine. The shoelace may exit the spool and rotate 90 degrees around a structure that includes the strain gauge. The structure and the strain gauge may be calibrated to measure the shoelace tension. In this example, the shoelace tying engine 700B may include multiple components, such as a housing 710, a spool cavity 715, a shoelace spool 720, a shoelace cable 730, a shoelace free end 735, a pulley (or pin) 740, a sensor 750, and a strain gauge 752. In this example, the shoelace cable tension is measured by a strain gauge on the pulley 740, such as the strain gauge 752. When the shoelace cable 730 is wound around the pulley 740, the tension on the shoelace cable 730 causes the pulley 740 to deflect, which is measured by the strain gauge 752. In this example, when the shoelace spool 720 rotates 90 degrees around the pulley 740, the shoelace spool 720 tightens the shoelace cable 730. Rotating 90 degrees around the pulley 740 applies enough force to the pulley 740 for the strain gauge 752 to measure the deflection caused by the tension on the shoelace cable 730.

[0066] Figures 8A - 8B A direct pressure sensing technique is shown. In this example, the tongue of the shoe assembly may include one or more force sensing resistors (FSRs). The FSRs may detect the shoelace tension on the upper part of the shoe assembly.

[0067] In this example, the FSR may be located along the lower side of the tongue to press against the user's foot. Figure 8A A single FSR (sensor assembly 810) designed to be positioned at the shoelace cable connection is shown. Figure 8BShows a shoe platform with various FSR positions, such as sensor assembly positions 810A and 810B.

[0068] In this example, the sensor assembly 810 can include multiple components, such as a sensor platform 815, a lace guide 825, a circuit 830, and a connector 835. The sensor platform 815 provides a base for the sensor assembly and can be designed to be integrated into various positions within the shoe platform. The lace guide 825 can be designed to receive one or more portions of a lace cable and guide the lace cable over a force sensing resistor. The circuit 830 can include calibrated resistors that output a resistance measurement proportional to the amount of force applied to the sensor assembly 810. The connector 835 is used to interconnect the sensor assembly back to a control circuit within the shoe platform.

[0069] Example

[0070] Example 1 describes the subject matter including a lacing engine for an automated shoe platform. The lacing engine can include multiple components, such as a housing, a lace spool, and a detection mechanism. The lace spool can be at least partially disposed within the housing. The lace spool can also be adapted to collect a portion of a lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the shoe platform. The detection mechanism can directly measure a characteristic of the lace cable when the lace cable is manipulated by the lacing engine.

[0071] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include a detection mechanism having electrodes adapted to measure an electrical parameter.

[0072] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 can optionally include that the electrodes are adapted to contact a portion of the lace spool when the lace cable is in a first state.

[0073] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include that when the lace cable is in the first state, the electrodes complete a circuit through the lace spool.

[0074] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally include that when the lace cable is in the first state, the circuit exhibits a low impedance measurement.

[0075] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include that the first state of the lace cable is a fully extended state, where only a portion of the lace spool contacts any lace cable.

[0076] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 6 can optionally include that when the lace cable is in a second state, the electrodes are adapted to contact the lace cable.

[0077] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include a circuit that includes an electrode and a shoelace spool, the circuit exhibiting a high impedance measurement when the shoelace cable is in a second state. In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 - 8 may optionally include that the electrode is spring - loaded to maintain contact with the shoelace spool whether the shoelace cable is wound around the shoelace spool or not. In this example, the electrode may maintain contact throughout the entire useful range of the shoelace spool (e.g., between a first state (empty) and a second state (full)).

[0078] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes a lever, the lever including a free end and a pivot end adapted to follow the profile of the shoelace spool.

[0079] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include a shoelace spool that includes a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the free end of the lever.

[0080] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 may optionally include a detection mechanism that includes a sensor to detect when the free end of the lever is received in the cavity.

[0081] In Example 13, the subject matter of either Example 11 or 12 may optionally include a shoelace spool adapted to collect the shoelace cable when rotated in a first direction, and when collecting at least a first portion of the shoelace cable, the free end of the lever cannot be received in the cavity.

[0082] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11 - 13 may optionally include a detection mechanism having a cut - off switch that is activated when the free end of the lever is received in the cavity.

[0083] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include that the cut - off switch operates to cut the power to the motor operating the shoelace tying engine.

[0084] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include a detection mechanism that includes a cut - off switch and a separate portion of the shoelace spool.

[0085] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 may optionally include that the separate portion of the shoelace spool has a bent portion of the shoelace spool that is pivotally coupled to the shoelace spool.

[0086] In Example 18, the subject matter of either Example 16 or 17 may optionally include that the shoelace cable is fixed to a first end of the separate portion, where the first end is opposite to a second end pivotally coupled to the shoelace spool.

[0087] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 16 to 18 may optionally include a cut-off switch positioned along the housing such that when the shoelace cable is in the first state, the first end of the separated portion of the shoelace spool contacts the cut-off switch.

[0088] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 16 to 19 may optionally include that when the shoelace cable reaches the first state, the continued rotation of the shoelace spool causes the separated portion to pivot radially outward to contact the cut-off switch.

[0089] In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes an optical sensor adapted to sense a characteristic of the shoelace cable.

[0090] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 may optionally include that the optical sensor senses the transition from the first portion of the shoelace cable to the second portion of the shoelace cable.

[0091] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 may optionally include that the first portion of the shoelace cable is of a first color and the second portion of the shoelace cable is of a second color.

[0092] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 may optionally include that the first portion of the shoelace cable has a first pattern within the shoelace cable and the second portion has a second pattern within the shoelace cable.

[0093] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21 to 24 may optionally include that the optical sensor is adapted to detect an end portion of the shoelace cable.

[0094] In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 may optionally include that the end portion of the shoelace cable includes a unique color or a unique pattern relative to the remainder of the shoelace cable.

[0095] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes a force sensor to detect the tension on the shoelace cable.

[0096] In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes a pin or a pulley that houses a portion of the shoelace cable.

[0097] In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 may optionally include that the force sensor contacts the pin or the pulley to detect the tension transmitted from this portion of the shoelace cable to the pin or the pulley.

[0098] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 may optionally include that this portion of the shoelace cable is wound 90 degrees around the circumference of the pin or the pulley.

[0099] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes a strain gauge to detect the tension on the shoelace cable.

[0100] In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 may optionally include that the detection mechanism includes a pin or a pulley positioned adjacent to the lace spool outlet to receive a portion of the lace cable around the circumference of the pin or the pulley.

[0101] In Example 33, the subject matter of Example 32 may optionally include that a strain gauge is integrated into the pin or the pulley to detect the strain caused by the tension on the lace cable.

[0102] Supplementary description

[0103] Throughout the specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although the separate operations of one or more methods are shown and described as separate operations, one or more of the separate operations may be performed simultaneously and the operations need not be performed in the order shown. Structures and functions represented as separate components in an example configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functions represented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0104] Although the overview of the subject matter of the present invention has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the disclosed embodiments. For convenience only, the term "invention" may be used herein, either alone or in combination, to refer to such embodiments of the inventive subject matter, and if more than one is actually disclosed, the scope of the present application is not intended to be automatically limited to any single disclosure or inventive concept.

[0105] The embodiments shown herein have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be construed as restrictive, and the scope of various embodiments includes the full scope of equivalents to which the disclosed subject matter is entitled.

[0106] As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. In addition, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Further, the boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary and a particular operation is illustrated in the context of a particular illustrative configuration. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality that are represented as separate resources in an example configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionality that are represented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0107] Each of these non-limiting examples may exist independently or may be combined with one or more other examples in various arrangements or combinations.

[0108] The detailed description above includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples". These examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples that provide only those elements shown or described.

[0109] In addition, the inventors also contemplate examples regarding any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to one or more other examples shown or described herein (or one or more aspects thereof).

[0110] If there is any inconsistency in usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document shall govern.

[0111] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more, independent of any other instances or uses of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, the term "or" is used to mean non-exclusive, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B", "B but not A", and "A and B", unless otherwise stated. In this document, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "including" and "wherein". Additionally, in the following claims, the terms "comprising" and "comprise" are open-ended, that is, a system, apparatus, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements other than those listed after this term in the claim is still considered to fall within the scope of that claim. Further, in the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0112] Examples of the methods (processes) described herein, such as the shoe assembly example, may include, at least in part, machine or robotic implementations.

[0113] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. After reviewing the above description, other embodiments may be used, for example, by one of ordinary skill in the art. The included abstract (if provided) should comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that this document is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims when it is filed. Additionally, in the above description, various features may be combined together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that the unclaimed disclosed features are essential for any claim. Instead, the inventive subject matter may lie in less than all of the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments may be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of the equivalents to which those claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A shoe lacing engine for an automatic shoe platform, the shoe lacing engine comprising: case; a lace spool disposed at least partially within the housing, the lace spool adapted to collect a portion of the lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the shoe platform; as well as A detection mechanism that directly measures the characteristics of the shoelace cable as the shoelace engine manipulates the shoelace cable, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a lever including a free end adapted to follow the contour of a shoelace bobbin and a pivot end; wherein the shoelace spool includes a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the free end of the lever; and Wherein, the detection mechanism includes a sensor to detect when the free end of the lever is accommodated in the recess.

2. The shoe lacing engine according to claim 1, wherein: The lace spool is adapted to collect the lace cable when rotated in a first direction, and the free end of the lever cannot be received in the recess when collecting at least a first portion of the lace cable.

3. The shoe lacing engine according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The detection mechanism includes a cut-off switch that is activated when the free end of the lever is received in the recess.

4. The shoe lacing engine according to claim 3, wherein: The cut-off switch operates to cut off power to the electric motor operating the shoe lacing engine.

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