Sports Boot Collar Wedge Deformation for Calf Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports boot adjustment devices are limited in their ability to adapt to the shape of the calf, particularly for hard-shell boots, and often result in discomfort due to uneven force distribution and require complex manipulation, especially in winter sports environments.
Innovation Solution
A sports boot with a collar and wedge adjustment device that includes a fastening mechanism with pivots and notches, allowing the wedge to deform and adapt to the calf shape, ensuring even force distribution and ease of use, compatible with hard-shell boots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flap adjustment device is used to modify the enveloping perimeter, then the support surface varies with flap inclination angle, but this causes painful pressure points when the flap is forwardly inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is provided with notches at specific locations to create local flexibility zones. These notches allow the wedge to deform preferentially at designated areas, distributing contact forces more evenly across the calf and eliminating concentrated pressure points while maintaining the ability to adjust the enveloping perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge can change its shape parameter through deformation enabled by the notches. As the wedge deforms, it adapts its contact surface geometry to better match the calf morphology, transforming from a rigid geometric shape to a more compliant form that distributes pressure uniformly.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple small-size independent pieces are used for adjustment, then the device can provide precise adjustment, but this makes manipulation challenging in winter sports environments where users wear gloves
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated wedge component. Instead of requiring separate rods, screws, and blocking devices, the wedge combines all adjustment mechanisms into one piece that can be manipulated as a single unit, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a blocking device, an adjustment mechanism, and a support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, allowing users to perform all adjustments with a single manipulative action even while wearing gloves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the active length of the tongue or cable is increased to adapt to a big calf, then the recess edges can move apart to let the calf through, but this requires the tightening devices to be tightened again to maintain the same perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge automatically maintains the correct enveloping perimeter through its deformation mechanism. When the wedge deforms to accommodate different calf sizes, it self-adjusts the geometry of the collar to preserve the optimal perimeter, eliminating the need for users to manually re-tighten adjustment devices after each size change.
4Strength
If a rigid collar is used in hard-shell boots, then the boot provides structural support, but this prevents effective adaptation to the shape of the user's calf
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into a rigid outer shell and a deformable inner wedge component. The rigid collar maintains structural support and protection, while the separate wedge element can deform independently to adapt to the calf shape, combining the benefits of both rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge acts as an intermediary element between the rigid collar and the user's calf. It translates the rigid collar's structural support into a compliant interface that conforms to the calf morphology, mediating between the conflicting requirements of rigidity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis A1 and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial. The wedge is fixed by means of a first pivot and a second pivot, which are positioned on respective sides of the collar so that an axis Ap1 of the first pivot and an axis Ap2 of the second pivot are located on a first, substantially horizontal plane P1 and so that the fastening mechanism is not fixed on the first plane P1.