Automatic Footwear Lacing System with Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear lacing systems are cumbersome for users who have difficulty tying shoes, and there is a need for an automatic lacing system that can adjust shoe tightness via a graphical user interface.
Innovation Solution
An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system that includes an electronic assembly for tightening or loosening laces, controlled via a graphical user interface on a portable electronic device, utilizing a control panel for swiping or tapping commands to adjust lace tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual lacing systems are used, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with difficulty tying shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lacing system (manual tying) with an automated electronic system. A motorized spool winds or unwinds the lace under electronic control, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying operations. This substitution directly addresses the ease of operation for users with difficulty tying shoes while managing device complexity through integrated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service lacing through automated control mechanisms. The motorized spool automatically adjusts lace tension based on electronic signals, allowing users to achieve proper lacing without manual intervention in the tying process. The control system manages the complexity internally while providing simple user interaction.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic lacing system with electronic control is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated electronic assembly. The motor, spool, control circuitry, and power management are combined into a unified system within the footwear, reducing overall complexity compared to separate components. This integration maintains ease of operation while managing the inherent complexity of the electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly serves multiple functions: motorized lace tensioning, electronic control processing, power management, and user interface handling. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional unit, the system improves ease of operation while containing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
3Reliability
If laces apply forces along the top of the foot, then the lacing system is simple, but the comfort and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different lacing configurations to different regions of the foot. The automated lacing system can apply forces selectively at various locations (e.g., heel, midfoot, toe) rather than uniformly across the top of the foot. This localized force application improves foot stability in critical areas while reducing harmful pressure on the dorsal surface, addressing both reliability and comfort requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper comprising a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, and a housing disposed adjacent the tongue. A plurality of lateral eyelets are disposed along the lateral side of the upper and a plurality of medial eyelets are disposed along the medial side of the upper. A first lace extends from the housing through the plurality of lateral eyelets, and a second lace extends from the housing through the plurality of medial eyelets.