Sports Boot Ankle Compression System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports boots lack an integrated ankle compression system that provides ease of use and improves fit and comfort during sports activities.
Innovation Solution
The sports boots incorporate an ankle compression system with an ankle compression member and medial positioning bands, connected via an adjustment lace and tightening mechanism, to apply selective compressive force against the anterior ankle portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an ankle compression system is added to improve fit and comfort, then the boot structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle compression system is integrated into the boot structure by combining the compression member with positioning bands that attach to the boot shell. The adjustment lace system merges the compression function with the existing lacing mechanism, allowing the compression member to be tensioned through the same lace routing structure already present in the boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment lace serves multiple functions: it secures the boot to the foot and simultaneously tensions the ankle compression member. The positioning bands both locate the compression member correctly and provide attachment points for the lace system, making the structure multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated components.
2Reliability
If an integrated ankle compression system is implemented to improve fit, then manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle compression system is divided into separate components: the compression member, positioning bands, adjustment lace, and tightening member. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled into the boot. The positioning bands are attached to the boot shell at specific locations, and the compression member is positioned and secured using the same lacing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustable compression parameters through the lace tensioning mechanism. Rather than manufacturing different compression levels into the structure, the same basic components can provide variable compression by changing the lace tension, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability across different user needs.
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
The integrated ankle compression system enhances the fit and comfort of the boots by providing customizable compressive pressure, improving user experience during sports activities.
Implementation Method 1
The tightening member is thus operable to cause the adjustment lace to forcibly draw the ankle compression member toward and exert a selective compressive force against the anterior ankle portion
Implementation Method 2
exert a selective compressive force against the anterior ankle portion of the person's foot
Data Source
AI summary
Sport boots have an outer shell and an ankle compression system attached to and positioned within the outer shell to apply selective compressive force against an anterior ankle portion of a person's foot when wearing the boot. The ankle compression system includes an ankle compression member positioned forwardly adjacent to the anterior ankle portion and at least one medial positioning band having a lower terminal end immovably fixed to a medial edge portion of the strobel and having an opposite end operatively associated with the ankle compression member. An adjustment lace is connected to the ankle compression member and is operatively connected to a tightening member positioned on a lateral side of the outer shell so that operation of the tightening causes the adjustment lace to forcibly draw the ankle compression member toward and exert a selective compressive force against the anterior ankle portion of the person's foot.