Adjustable-Length Crampon Locking for Glove-Friendly Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the length of crampons while wearing gloves is difficult due to the complexity of existing adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A crampon with an adjustable length featuring a locking device that allows for automatic transition between coupling and uncoupling configurations, facilitated by a spring-loaded blade and elastic deformation, enabling easy length adjustment even with gloves on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional adjustment mechanism with gripping means is used, then the crampon length can be adjusted, but the adjustment becomes difficult when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The crampon adjustment mechanism allows the user to simply push the first part toward the second part to automatically adjust the length. The system self-regulates through the spring-loaded blade and locking device, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation of tabs or gripping mechanisms. This self-service approach makes adjustment intuitive and glove-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gripping system (tabs, holes, manual insertion/extraction) with a spring-loaded blade mechanism that responds to simple pushing force. The mechanical system substitutes manual dexterity requirements with a force-based activation method that is easier to perform with gloves.
2Productivity
If manual manipulation of adjustment mechanism is required, then precise length setting can be achieved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded blade is pre-positioned and pre-loaded within the locking device, ready to engage or disengage immediately when force is applied to the first part. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multi-step manual adjustment procedures, enabling rapid length changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows the user to quickly push the first part toward the second part, rapidly transitioning through the adjustment process. The spring-loaded blade and automatic locking mechanism enable the adjustment to be completed in a single swift motion rather than through multiple deliberate steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Easier and more efficient length adjustment of crampons, allowing quick fitting to different shoe sizes and shapes without manual manipulation of the adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by a spring-loaded blade and elastic deformation, enabling easy length adjustment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The adjustable-length crampon (100) for footwear includes a connecting element (104), a first part (101), and a second part (103) connected by the connecting element (104). The crampon (100) includes means (105) for adjusting the length of the crampon (100) and a locking device (107) configured to maintain the length adjustment of the crampon (100). The crampon (100) is configured so that, when the locking device (107) is in an unlocking configuration, a force exerted on the crampon (100) induces an automatic transition from a coupling configuration of the adjustment means (105) with the linking element (104), ensuring the length adjustment of the crampon (100), to a discoupling configuration of the adjustment means (105) with respect to the linking element (104), said force being exerted to adjust the length setting of the crampon (100) by reducing the length of the crampon.