Shoe Cleat Receptacle Anti-Theft and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction cleat systems for athletic shoes lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized cleats, ensure secure locking, and maintain strength with reduced receptacle height, while also enhancing traction and preventing damage to the outsole.
Innovation Solution
A cleat and receptacle system with a projection member in the receptacle cavity to block unauthorized cleats, a modified FAST TWIST locking arrangement with increased locking teeth and a steeper angle for enhanced retention, and dynamic traction elements with angular and axial curvature for improved traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a projection member is added to the receptacle cavity to block unauthorized cleats, then security against unauthorized cleat use is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection member is pre-installed in the receptacle cavity to block unauthorized cleats before they can be attached. This preliminary blocking action prevents unauthorized cleats from being inserted, while authorized cleats with matching recesses can overcome the block during proper installation.
2Length of stationary object
If the receptacle height is reduced to maintain a thin outsole profile, then the shoe design flexibility is improved, but the strength and retention capability of the receptacle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle utilizes a composite structure combining a base plate for structural support and embedded mounting features for secure attachment to the outsole. This composite approach allows reduced height while maintaining strength through optimized material distribution and structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing height to improve strength, the invention compensates by optimizing the base plate area and mounting slot configuration in the horizontal dimension. The mounting slots provide anchoring in the outsole plane, allowing the receptacle to achieve sufficient retention capability without increased height.
3Reliability
If a locking arrangement with multiple locking teeth and posts is implemented to ensure secure locking, then the retention reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking teeth on the receptacle and corresponding locking posts on the cleat. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standardized features, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining reliable multi-point locking engagement.
4Reliability
If the locking posts are forced radially outward during rotation to engage locking teeth, then the locking reliability is improved, but the outsole may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking posts serve as intermediaries that transfer the locking force between the cleat and receptacle without directly contacting the outsole. The posts are contained within the receptacle cavity during engagement, mediating the locking action and preventing direct force transmission to the outsole material.
Data Source
AI summary
In traction cleat and receptacle system in a shoe outsole, unauthorized cleats are prevented from connection to a receptacle by a projection in the receptacle cavity and a recess in the cleat attachment stem for receiving the projection. A locking arrangement includes an annular array of twelve locking teeth on a boss surrounding the receptacle cavity, wherein every fourth tooth has a steeper side angle to in cooperate with mating cleat locking posts. A cylindrical shroud prevents the locking posts from damaging the outsole material during cleat rotation.