Footwear Ankle Collar Elevator for Hands-Free Doffing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear articles with ankle collars require manual manipulation for donning and doffing, which can be inconvenient and may lead to structural breakdown over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a doffing ledge and a collar elevator that allows the ankle collar to be moved from a lowered state to a raised state automatically when the foot is inserted, using a deformable element with a medial and lateral lever arm and a center connecting band to store and release potential energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used for donning and doffing the footwear, then the footwear can be securely fastened, but the process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear system performs the collar elevation and securing functions automatically through the deformable element mechanism. When the user inserts their foot, the deformable element is compressed and automatically returns to its original shape, elevating the collar and securing the footwear without requiring manual manipulation or assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar elevator mechanism is pre-positioned within the footwear structure, ready to automatically elevate the collar when the deformable element is compressed during foot insertion. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual collar elevation at the time of donning.
2Reliability
If manual manipulation is used for donning and doffing the footwear, then control over the collar position is achieved, but structural breakdown occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element automatically performs the collar elevation function through elastic deformation, eliminating repeated manual manipulation that would cause structural wear and breakdown over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar elevation mechanism transitions from a static manual operation to a dynamic automatic process. The deformable element compresses during foot insertion and automatically returns to its original shape, providing consistent collar elevation without manual intervention and reducing structural stress.
3Extent of automation
If a collar elevator mechanism is added to the footwear, then automatic collar elevation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element is constructed as a flexible, resilient component that can be compressed and returns to its original shape. This flexible element provides the automatic collar elevation function through simple elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element changes its physical state between compressed and uncompressed configurations. When compressed during foot insertion, it stores elastic energy and then returns to its original shape, automatically elevating the collar. This parameter change approach simplifies the mechanism compared to traditional mechanical elevators.
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
Facilitates hands-free donning and doffing of footwear, reducing manual effort and potential structural damage, while ensuring secure fit and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable element with a medial and lateral lever arm and a center connecting band to store and release potential energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a footwear article comprising: a sole having a ground-contacting surface and a sidewall; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole; and a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator having a medial lever arm, a lateral lever arm, and a center connecting band that couples the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm and that is located near a rear portion of the ankle collar, wherein, at an intersection with a longitudinal midline reference plane of the footwear article, the cross section of the center connecting band has a two-dimensional form which is bisected into substantially symmetrical mirror images by a longitudinal reference axis.