Alternating Clamp Strap Tightening for Lasting Tension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap tightening systems for footwear and similar items fail to maintain optimal tension over time, particularly in ski boots, due to loosening under user's forward thrust, and are often uncomfortable and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A pair of clamps that can alternate between configurations to effectively tighten and maintain strap tension, utilizing a first clamp to move relative to a second clamp, with elastic return elements ensuring the strap remains taut, and a main body with hinged clamps rotating around parallel axes to facilitate tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional strap tightening system is used, then the structure is simple, but the strap tension loosens over time under user's forward thrust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic clamps that can alternately tighten and release the strap. The first clamp tightens the strap while the second clamp releases, then they alternate. This dynamic mechanism allows the strap tension to be maintained reliably under forward thrust forces without requiring an overly complex static structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening device is divided into separate functional components: a first clamp, a second clamp, and elastic return elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (tightening, releasing, and providing return force) independently, improving overall reliability while keeping the device structure manageable.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional buckle is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it is uncomfortable and difficult to use for ski boots
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return elements automatically return the clamps to their initial positions after tightening, without requiring manual intervention. The system performs part of its operation automatically through the elastic elements' inherent properties, making the device easier to operate for the user while remaining manufacturable with standard elastic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps are designed to rotate around parallel axes, enabling smooth and comfortable operation. The dynamic rotation mechanism allows the user to easily apply and release tension on the strap, significantly improving ease of operation compared to conventional fixed buckles, while the rotation mechanism remains relatively simple to manufacture.
3Force
If the first clamp tightens the strap, then the strap tension increases, but the first clamp must move relative to the second clamp requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamic alternation between the first clamp tightening and the second clamp releasing to generate progressive strap tension. The clamps coordinate their movements dynamically, with each clamp's action complementing the other, thereby achieving high strap tension force without requiring a complex static coordination mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening process involves periodic alternation between the first clamp tightening phase and the second clamp releasing phase. This periodic action allows the strap tension to build up incrementally through repeated cycles, achieving high force while keeping the coordination mechanism relatively simple through natural elastic return.
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 solution allows for rapid achievement and maintenance of optimal strap tension, ensuring a secure fit and comfort by using a simple, robust, and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return elements which, in use, tend to keep the first clamp in the initial position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4c
Figure 4d~4f
AI summary
Device (10) for tightening a strap (16) or suchlike to close an article such as an item of clothing, footwear, an accessory or other, comprising at least two clamps (17, 18) which are mobile with respect to each other and are configured to alternatively assume, during use, a first configuration in which said first clamp (17) tightens said strap (16) and said second clamp (18) allows the free sliding of the strap (16) in order to tension the strap (16) from a first to a second position, more taut than the first, and at least a second configuration in which the first clamp (17) does not engage the strap (16) and the second clamp (18) tightens the strap (16), in which the strap (16) remains in said second taut position.