Bi-Stable Spring Footwear Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear closure systems require manual effort to secure the shoe to the foot, lacking automatic mechanisms for easy and efficient closure.
Innovation Solution
The development of bi-stable closure mechanisms with intermediate stable positions, activated by mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical trigger mechanisms, which automatically shift from an open to a closed position upon deformation, securing the footwear to the user's foot without external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual closure systems are used in footwear, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation is poor as manual effort is required to secure the shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed to automatically secure the footwear to the user's foot without requiring external force or manual manipulation. The spring member self-actuates upon deformation to wrap around and hold the foot, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical closure systems (such as laces, buckles, or zippers) with a simpler spring-based mechanism that uses elastic deformation and stored mechanical energy to achieve automatic closure, reducing overall mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If conventional closure mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to time-consuming manual closure
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is pre-deformed during manufacturing or assembly to store elastic potential energy in a controlled manner. This preliminary deformation prepares the mechanism to rapidly expand and secure the footwear immediately upon activation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual closure operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism transitions from a static, manually-operated system to a dynamic system that utilizes rapid spring expansion and bi-stable positioning to achieve quick automatic closure. The spring member dynamically shifts between deformed and expanded states to rapidly secure the footwear.
3Ease of operation
If bi-stable closure mechanisms are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved with automatic closure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for proper deformation activation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed with non-uniform geometric properties, including varying cross-sectional dimensions and localized deformation zones. This local quality variation allows the spring to deform predictably at specific locations while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision across the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in geometric parameters of the spring member (such as wire diameter, coil spacing, and curvature radius) to control the deformation characteristics and activation forces. By optimizing these parameters, the mechanism achieves reliable bi-stable operation with tolerance for normal manufacturing variations.
4Measurement precision
If intermediate stable positions are added to the closure mechanism, then the control precision of closure timing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into distinct stable positions (first stable position for open state, second stable position for closed state, and intermediate positions for transition control). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each position's characteristics, enabling precise timing control without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
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 rapid securing of footwear to the user's foot, optimizing closure characteristics such as timing, positioning, and force, enhancing user convenience and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated spring member secured to the sole... Deformation of a surface of the spring member releases the spring member and causes a portion of the spring member to move from a first stable position towards a second stable position
Implementation Method 2
A trigger mechanism... includes a first end configured to receive a downward force from a user of the footwear and transfer the force to a second end... The second end is configured to deform a surface of the spring member
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for closure of footwear. According to an example embodiment, an article of footwear that automatically secures to a user's foot includes a sole and a closure mechanism with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the closure mechanism is attached to the sole. The second portion extends away from the sole. Deformation of a surface of the closure mechanism actuates the closure mechanism such that it automatically moves from a first stable position to a second stable position. In the second stable position, the closure mechanism conforms to and applies a force to at least one of an upper surface of the article of footwear and an upper surface of a foot of a user of the article of footwear.