Bicycle Shoe Fixing Strap Dynamics for Rapid Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle shoes require quick and easy entry for triathletes transitioning from swimming to cycling, as time spent putting on shoes during transitions is critical in competitions, and existing designs do not facilitate rapid foot insertion while maintaining secure attachment to the pedal.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shoe design featuring a sole, shoe upper portion, and a fixing strap with attachment sections that can transition between a fastened state to reduce foot receiving space and an easy-entry state to increase space, utilizing hook and loop fasteners to securely attach and detach for easy foot entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foot receiving space is kept small to maintain secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing strap system allows dynamic adjustment of the foot receiving space between a first state (smaller space for secure attachment) and a second state (larger space for easy foot entry). The strap can be selectively positioned at different attachment sections to change the configuration of the shoe upper portion, enabling the space to adapt between compact and expanded states based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the foot receiving space is enlarged to facilitate easy foot entry, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing strap system allows dynamic adjustment of the foot receiving space between a first state (smaller space for secure attachment) and a second state (larger space for easy foot entry). The strap can be selectively positioned at different attachment sections to change the configuration of the shoe upper portion, enabling the space to adapt between compact and expanded states based on operational needs.
3Reliability
If a fixed compact structure is used to maintain secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing strap serves multiple functions: it secures the shoe to the foot, adjusts the foot receiving space configuration, and enables transition between different states (first state with smaller space and second state with larger space). This multi-functional design avoids the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 rapid and secure foot entry into the bicycle shoe, allowing triathletes to quickly transition from swimming to cycling without wasting time, while maintaining secure attachment to the pedal during riding.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing strap includes third and fourth attachment sections. The shoe upper portion and the fixing strap selectively maintain one of a first state in which the third attachment section of the fixing strap is releasably attached to the first attachment section of the shoe upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle shoe includes a sole, a shoe upper portion, and a fixing strap. The shoe upper portion is coupled to the sole to form a foot receiving space. The shoe upper portion includes first and second attachment sections. The fixing strap has a proximal end attached to a part of the shoe upper portion. The fixing strap includes third and fourth attachment sections. The shoe upper portion and the fixing strap selectively maintain one of a first state in which the third attachment section of the fixing strap is releasably attached to the first attachment section of the shoe upper portion and a second state in which the fourth attachment section of the fixing strap is releasably attached to the second attachment section of the shoe upper portion. The foot receiving space is larger in the second state than in the first state.