Air Bladder Boot Fitting Device with Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot fitting devices fail to prevent unintended removal during tasks like pouring concrete, as they do not provide sufficient security against suction forces.
Innovation Solution
A boot fitting device with an air bladder and bulb valve that inflates to secure the foot, combined with a latch for additional security, ensuring the boot remains engaged with the user's foot during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional boot fitting devices are used, then the boot can be worn comfortably, but the boot can be unintentionally removed during tasks due to insufficient security against suction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The boot fitting device is segmented into distinct functional components: an air bladder positioned within the boot shaft, a bulb valve for inflation control, and a latch mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability without creating a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bladder provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the user to inflate or deflate the bladder to change the fit and security level of the boot. This dynamic element enables the boot to adapt to different task requirements and suction forces, enhancing retention security while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If an air bladder is added to secure the foot, then boot retention security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs pneumatic principles through the air bladder and bulb valve mechanism. The bladder can be inflated by hand squeezing the bulb valve, creating internal pressure to secure the foot within the boot. This pneumatic system provides effective foot securing with relatively simple components that avoid complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulb valve is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external tools or assistance. The user can independently inflate or deflate the bladder as needed, making the system self-serviceable and reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added for additional security, then boot retention is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is positioned and designed to engage automatically or with minimal action after the boot is pulled on. This preliminary securing action ensures the boot is retained during tasks without requiring continuous user intervention, while still allowing easy release when needed by simply opening the latch.
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 air bladder and latch mechanism effectively prevent boot removal during tasks, providing a snug and secure fit that minimizes interference with the user's activities while maintaining waterproof functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A bulb valve is coupled to the bladder for inflating the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An air bladder boot fitting device facilitates snug fitting to prevent unintended removal of a boot. The device includes a boot having a sole and an upper coupled to and extending upwardly from the sole. The upper includes a shaft section extending downwardly from an open upper edge. A bladder is coupled to the upper and positioned within an interior of the boot. The bladder extends along the shaft section for securing a foot within the boot when the bladder is inflated. A bulb valve is coupled to the bladder for inflating the bladder.