Ankle Support Cable Tightening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing ankle and foot support, such as athletic taping and spats, are either expensive, time-consuming, require skilled application, lack consistency, and fail to provide sufficient stiffness and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a covering with a cable tightening mechanism and exposed loops that attach to footwear loop anchors on the upper of an article of footwear, allowing for adjustable and secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional taping methods are used to provide ankle and foot support, then support can be provided, but the application requires skilled athletic trainers which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tightening mechanism enables the user to independently adjust and secure the covering without requiring skilled athletic trainers. The user can operate the mechanism to tighten or loosen cables as needed, making the system self-serviceable and eliminating the need for specialized application skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tightening mechanism provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the user to modify the support level and fit of the covering in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces static conventional taping methods that cannot be easily modified once applied.
2Reliability
If conventional taping methods are used to provide ankle and foot support, then support can be provided, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is pre-configured with cable segments and tightening mechanisms in place before application. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming process of wrapping and securing tapes during application, as the structural elements are already positioned and ready for rapid adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The user can quickly adjust the cable tightening mechanism without requiring time-consuming skilled application. The self-service nature of the mechanism allows for rapid deployment and adjustment, significantly reducing the time needed compared to conventional taping methods.
3Reliability
If conventional taping methods are used to provide ankle and foot support, then support can be provided, but the amount of support is not consistent and varies with each application
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tightening mechanism allows for precise control and adjustment of tension parameters. By providing a standardized mechanism for tightening, the system ensures consistent support levels across different applications, eliminating the variability inherent in manual taping techniques where different users apply different amounts of tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability enables users to achieve and maintain consistent support levels by adjusting the cable tension to their specific needs. This standardized adjustment process replaces the inconsistent manual application of conventional taping methods.
4Reliability
If conventional spats are used to provide ankle and foot support, then support can be provided, but the spats shift or move since they are not secured directly to the footwear
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tightening mechanism merges the covering with the footwear by securing the cable ends to the footwear structure. This integration ensures that the covering and footwear move together as a unified system, eliminating the shifting and movement problems associated with conventional spats that are not directly attached to the footwear.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cable tightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposed loop may be attached to a loop receiving member located on the covering. The exposed loop may also be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include more than one exposed loop for attaching to more than one loop receiving member located on the covering, as well as more than one footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure the covering to the article of footwear.