Angled Connecting Elements for Shoe Closure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports shoe closing and tightening devices for rigid footwear, such as ski boots, fail to provide optimal support and comfort due to their complexity, increased size, thermal bridging, and limited adjustment margins, which affect the shoe's ability to maintain the foot effectively.

Innovation Solution

A closing and tightening device with connecting members that exert an additional force component outside their alignment, reinforcing foot maintenance by orienting the connecting tab and teeth in a non-perpendicular direction to the closure curve, ensuring better support and stability without increasing the device's size or complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connecting members are positioned along the shortest path curve perpendicular to the notch, then the shoe closure is achieved, but the foot support and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe closureVSAvoidfoot support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect to the force application by orienting the connecting elements at an angle rather than perpendicular to the alignment curve. This angular orientation adds a component of force in a different direction, creating a two-component force system that simultaneously achieves closure and provides foot support, effectively utilizing another dimension of force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If connecting elements are oriented perpendicular to the alignment curve, then the closure force is maximized, but the foot maintenance function is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure forceVSAvoidfoot maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the connecting elements from perpendicular to angled relative to the alignment curve. This parameter change transforms the single-direction closure force into a composite force with two components: one for closure and another for foot support, thereby improving foot maintenance while maintaining adequate closure capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional adjusting mechanisms are added to modify connecting element positioning, then the adaptability to foot morphology is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot morphology adaptationVSAvoidadjusting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the connecting elements at an angled direction rather than symmetrically perpendicular to the alignment curve. This asymmetric orientation creates a force component that naturally adapts to foot morphology and provides heel support without requiring additional adjusting mechanisms, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Strength

If more metal accessories are added to the shoe surface, then the structural strength is improved, but the thermal bridging increases and comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe structureVSAvoidthermal bridging

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by angling the connecting elements rather than positioning them perpendicular to the alignment curve. This inversion creates a beneficial side effect where the angled orientation naturally provides foot support and improves heel maintenance, achieving enhanced structural function without adding more metal accessories or increasing thermal bridging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhances foot maintenance within the shoe by applying a non-aligned force component, improving heel stability and preventing lifting or advancement, while maintaining equal tightening efficiency and simplicity, suitable for various sports boots.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting elements (31, 37) exert a force F on the tooth (37) chosen, in a direction perpendicular to these elements and therefore not parallel to the tangent to the curve (18)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

a clamping lever (26) rotatably mounted on the base (25) and capable of driving a tie rod (28) mounted on the lever (26)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

the clamping lever (26) rotatably mounted on the base (25) and capable of driving a tie rod (28) mounted on the lever (26) around another axis (9)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP1969956B1Device for fastening and tightening a sports shoe

Publication Date: 2014.12.31 ROSSIGNOL LANGE SRL

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Connecting member for closure and tightening device (4) of a sports shoe, comprising a base (25, 35) suitable for its attachment to the surface of the sports shoe and a connecting element (31, 37) suitable for cooperation with a second connecting member, characterized in that the connecting element (31, 37) has a geometry such that its tangent (c, d ; c') to its connection zone with a second connecting element of the second connecting member is not perpendicular to the closing direction of the connecting member in its configuration for closing and tightening the sports shoe.