Interchangeable Boot Baseplate With Quick-Release Dovetail Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchangeable boot attachments fail to provide a seamless, secure, and efficient transition between walking and various sport modes, requiring multiple pairs of footwear and lacking a quick release mechanism for safe attachment and detachment of inserts.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable boot attachment featuring a baseplate with a tapered insert channel and a buckle strap mechanism that forms a dovetail joint with inserts, allowing for secure attachment and quick release, using a durable lock strap and buckle-release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release buckle mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a baseplate with insert channels, removable inserts with tapered projections, and a buckle strap with buckle-release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while enabling easy assembly and disassembly of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle-release mechanism provides dynamic control over the attachment state, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element enables quick release functionality while maintaining security during use, allowing the user to easily change inserts without complex tools or procedures.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insert channels are designed with asymmetric tapered projections that fit uniquely into the baseplate. This asymmetric geometry ensures secure attachment while allowing easy insertion from the correct direction. The tapered design provides mechanical interference that prevents accidental dislodgement while maintaining smooth exchange when the buckle is released.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle strap acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the insert attachment. Instead of requiring direct manipulation of the insert or complex fastening procedures, the user simply operates the buckle-release mechanism, which automatically engages or disengages the strap to secure or release the insert. This intermediary simplifies the user interface while maintaining secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inserts are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is designed with universal insert channels that can accommodate multiple different inserts with varying functions (e.g., walking, skating, hiking). The standardized channel geometry and tapered projection design allow a single baseplate to work with diverse inserts, enabling one boot to perform multiple functions without requiring different boot designs for each activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a permanent baseplate component and removable insert components. This segmentation allows the versatile baseplate to remain simple while the variety of inserts provides the functionality. Users can exchange inserts based on their needs without replacing the entire boot, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable boot attachment is provided. An interchangeable boot attachment comprising a buckle strap affixed to a baseplate around a heel of the baseplate and an insert. The baseplate having an insert channel along a bottom of the baseplate that tapers from an opening at the heel towards a toe end of the baseplate. The insert having a tapered projection that tapers in an identical formation to the insert channel and is coupled to the insert channel during assembly such that a dovetail joint is formed between the opening, the insert channel and the tapered projection. The opening providing access to the insert channel for the insert. The buckle rotated and snapped to apply tension along the strap to secure the insert. The buckle decoupled and released from the strap to remove the strap from the opening to allow for removing the insert.