Automatic Lacing System with Motor-Driven Spool and Belt Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic lacing systems for footwear lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the tightness of footwear, particularly in the ankle and arch areas, requiring manual effort and lacking seamless integration with motor-driven systems for automatic tightening and loosening.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lacing system comprising a motor-driven mechanism with a driveshaft, gears, and belts that adjust straps between closed and loosened positions, integrated with a yoke member and rigid hollow plate to provide automatic tightening and loosening of footwear, utilizing sensors and user-controlled devices for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven mechanism is introduced for automatic lacing, then automation extent is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic lacing system is divided into multiple independent modules: a motor unit for power, a spool for winding, pull strings for force transmission, and guide tubes for path control. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex automation task to be broken down into manageable components that can be independently designed and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Pull strings serve as intermediaries between the motor-driven spool and the laces. The motor rotates the spool, which winds the pull strings, and these strings then transmit the force through the guide tubes to tighten the laces. This intermediary mechanism translates rotational motion into linear force transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment is required for tightness control, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the motor automatically drives the spool to wind or unwind the pull strings based on user input. The user simply activates the motor, and the entire lacing adjustment process occurs automatically without manual manipulation of laces or fasteners, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and tightness of the laces and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the motor to automatically adjust the lacing to the desired tightness level, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment and improving operational convenience.
3Extent of automation
If existing automatic lacing systems are used, then automation is achieved, but adaptability worsens due to lack of adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system features dynamic adjustability where the motor can operate in different modes (winding and unwinding) and the spool can be positioned at various locations along the guide tubes. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different foot shapes, sizes, and tightening requirements, providing versatility while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven spool mechanism serves multiple functions: it can wind laces for tightening, unwind laces for loosening, and adjust the position of laces along their path. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single automated mechanism, providing adaptability to various lacing configurations and footwear designs without requiring separate systems for each function.
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
Enables effortless and automatic adjustment of footwear tightness, providing enhanced support and convenience by allowing the system to tighten and loosen automatically based on user input or sensor detection, improving user experience and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a motor disposed in the cavity; the motor including a driveshaft
Implementation Method 2
the driveshaft including at least one gear; at least one belt engaged with the at least one gear
Implementation Method 3
a yoke member connected to the at least one belt; the yoke member is disposed adjacent to a lower hole set of a rigid hollow plate
Data Source
AI summary
An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.