Autolacing Footwear PCB Support Layout for Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articles of footwear with motorized lacing systems face challenges in distributing external forces applied to the sole, which can damage sensitive electronic components like the printed circuit board (PCB) due to their placement near the sole, making them susceptible to damage from impacts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating supports within the housing that extend through the PCB to redirect forces to more robust components, such as the motor or battery, thereby reducing the impact on the PCB and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the PCB is placed near the sole for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
A foam material is introduced as an intermediary between the PCB and the sole, serving as a protective buffer that absorbs impact forces while allowing the PCB to remain positioned near the sole for compact design
2Volume of moving object
If the PCB is positioned close to the sole for space efficiency, then the volume is reduced, but the strength against external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A foam cushioning material is pre-installed between the PCB and the sole to absorb impact forces before they reach the PCB, enabling compact positioning without compromising strength
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.