Autolacing Footwear PCB Support Structure for Force Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of footwear with motorized lacing systems face challenges in distributing external forces to robust components, potentially damaging sensitive electronic components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to their placement near the sole, which can flex and impart force on these components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating supports within the housing that extend through the PCB to direct external forces to more robust components, such as the motor or battery, thereby reducing the force on the PCB and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the PCB is placed near the sole for ease of operation and control, then the control functionality is improved, but the PCB becomes vulnerable to external forces and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the sole and the PCB. This support extends through the PCB and redirects external forces applied to the sole away from the PCB, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the electronic components while maintaining the PCB's proximity to the sole for operational control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is made flexible to accommodate foot movement, then the adaptability is improved, but external forces can be transmitted to the PCB causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a mediator that allows the housing to remain flexible for foot movement while intercepting and redirecting external forces before they reach the PCB. The support extends through the PCB and anchors to the motor assembly, creating a force redistribution pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into functional zones: a flexible outer shell for foot movement accommodation, and an internal support structure that creates a rigid pathway for force redirection. This segmentation allows simultaneous flexibility and protection.
3Device complexity
If the PCB is positioned close to the sole for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the PCB is exposed to harmful external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure functions as a protective intermediary that enables the PCB to be positioned close to the sole for compact design without exposing it to harmful forces. The support redirects forces along its length to the motor assembly, which is positioned to receive these forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.