Adjustable Dirt Removal Prong for Footwear Spike Wrench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes face difficulties in removing dirt and debris from spikes on their sports footwear, often using household tools like table forks or screwdrivers, which are not designed for this purpose, making it inefficient and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held tool with a spike removal wrench key and an integrated dirt removal prong that can be switched between active and inactive positions, allowing for safe transportation and effective dirt removal from spikes and sole surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spike wrench is used for spike removal, then spike installation and removal is enabled, but dirt and mud accumulation on spikes makes removal impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spike wrench and dirt removal prong into a single integrated tool. The prong is attached to the wrench handle, allowing athletes to remove both dirt accumulation and install/remove spikes using one tool, directly resolving the problem of dirt preventing spike removal
Solution Approach 2:
The tool serves multiple functions: it acts as both a spike wrench for installing and removing spikes, and a dirt removal tool for clearing accumulated dirt and mud from spikes and shoe soles. This multi-functionality addresses the limitation of single-purpose tools
2Object-affected harmful factors
If household tools like table forks or screwdrivers are used for dirt removal, then dirt removal is achieved, but the tools are not designed for this purpose and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt removal prong features a specifically designed sharp pointed tip optimized for removing dirt from spike crevices and shoe soles. This specialized local geometry provides effective dirt removal while maintaining tool integrity, unlike generic household tools
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated prong acts as an intermediary element between the wrench handle and the dirt removal function. It provides a dedicated, purpose-built component for dirt removal that is properly engineered for the task, eliminating the need to use inappropriate household tools
3Ease of operation
If the prong is always exposed for dirt removal, then dirt removal is always available, but transportation becomes unsafe and other contents may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The prong is designed to be movable between an exposed operational position for dirt removal and a retracted stored position for safe transportation. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt its state based on whether it is being used or transported, preventing damage to other contents while maintaining accessibility when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An all-in-one footwear spike wrench and dirt removal tool includes a footwear spike wrench key and also a footwear dirt removal prong. The prong is adjustable between a stored position in which the prong is inoperative and a deployed position in which the prong is operative. The tool may include a compartment configured and dimensioned for storing running spikes. A tool kit includes the tool, a separate wrench key bit and a separate dirt removal prong bit, the latter two being selectively retained in a base member of the tool.