Adjustable Footwear Using Extensor System for Variable Tightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear is inherently loose, making it difficult to achieve varying degrees of tightness in different areas after the foot is inserted, and existing automatic lacing systems do not effectively address this need for adjustable tightness.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable footwear system utilizing an extensor system with hydraulic or air-pressure mechanisms, activated by a crank and ratchet device or pump, which allows for the expansion and contraction of extensor arms to adjust the fit by increasing or decreasing pressure within the footwear, enabling easy entry and customizable tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional footwear is made inherently loose for ease of insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to achieve varying degrees of tightness in different areas is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear incorporates an adjustable lacing system with multiple lacing patterns and tensioning mechanisms that allow the tightness to be dynamically changed after insertion. The lacing system can be adjusted to provide different degrees of tightness in various areas, transforming the static footwear structure into a dynamic one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear is divided into multiple zones with independent lacing sections, allowing different areas to be tightened or loosened independently. This segmentation enables varying degrees of tightness in different areas while maintaining ease of insertion through the adjustable nature of each segment.
2Ease of operation
If automatic lacing systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic lacing system is divided into multiple independent zones or sections, each capable of being adjusted to different tension levels. This allows the system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear while maintaining the automated operation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the lacing system are designed with different adjustment capabilities and tensioning mechanisms, allowing local customization of tightness. Each zone can be independently controlled to provide the specific degree of tightness needed for that particular area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the footwear is made tight initially for proper fit, then adaptability is improved, but ease of insertion is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear is designed with an initial loose or semi-loose state that facilitates easy insertion of the foot. After insertion, the lacing system is then adjusted to achieve the proper tight fit. This preliminary loose state allows ease of insertion while the subsequent adjustment provides the proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwear transitions from an initial static loose state to a dynamically adjusted tight state after insertion. The lacing system enables this transformation, allowing the footwear to be easy to insert initially and then adaptable to provide the proper tight fit once the foot is inside.
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
The system provides a customizable fit by allowing the footwear to be easily loosened for foot insertion and tightened post-insertion, offering varying degrees of tightness in different areas, enhancing comfort and support across various types of footwear and wearable items.
Implementation Method 1
The extensor system can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with a device to manually increase the pressure in the extensor system
Implementation Method 2
The extensor system can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with a device to manually increase the pressure in the extensor system
Implementation Method 3
The footwear includes an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. The footwear is, in its initial form, tightest on the inner cavity with an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials. An extensor system is activated to create a rigid infra-structure to open a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. A decrease of pressure in the extensor system decreases the cavity volume and allows for the elastic upper to apply pressure to the foot.