Collapsible Heel Mechanism for Hands-Free Foot Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear systems that facilitate foot entry without hands often deteriorate with use, jam, cause discomfort, or require manual adjustment, making them impractical for easy and comfortable wear.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible mechanism in the heel comprising a first base component, a second cover component, a slider, and a spring system that allows the mechanism to move from a compression phase to an extension phase, enabling easy foot insertion and secure fitting without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber or similar materials are used for foot entry facilitation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as they no longer return to original position after repeated uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rubber-based elastic materials with a mechanical spring system comprising compression springs, a slider, and folding components. This substitution eliminates the material degradation issue while maintaining the rebound function that facilitates foot entry and secures the heel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic mechanical system where the slider moves along the flexible element, and folding components articulate to provide the necessary motion. This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable operation through controlled mechanical movement rather than relying on material elasticity.
2Reliability
If complex metal mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty rises
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a base component, a cover component, a slider, compression springs, and folding components. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is housed within the base component, and the folding components are integrated into the heel structure. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple elements into a compact configuration, reducing apparent complexity while maintaining the sophisticated mechanical function.
3Ease of operation
If opening/closing systems like zippers or elastic bands are used, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage to footwear lining
Solution Approach 1:
The folding component acts as an intermediary between the user's foot and the footwear lining. It provides a controlled mechanical action that facilitates entry without direct contact or stress on the lining, preventing damage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces zipper or elastic band systems with a controlled mechanical folding component that operates through a defined motion path, eliminating the pinching, tearing, or stretching risks associated with traditional opening/closing systems.
4Device complexity
If systems that do not keep the heel upper lowered are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as no easy space is left for foot entry
Solution Approach 1:
The folding component is pre-configured in a lowered position that creates immediate entry space for the foot. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional manual manipulation, maintaining simplicity while ensuring ease of operation from the initial state.
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 mechanism ensures consistent performance, ease of use, and comfort by maintaining the heel lowered during foot insertion and preventing easy removal, addressing the need for a simple, durable, and elegant footwear system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring (8) constrained to move in a track defined in a seat obtained in said first base component (2) and bounded by a first protrusion (13) of the first base component (2) and spikes (18) of the slider (6), said spring (8) being moved by said slider (6)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A collapsible mechanism is described to be inserted into the heel of a footwear, whether for men, women or children, configured to facilitate the entry of a user's foot into the footwear without having to use the hands to open the laces and to maintain itself autonomously, without the help of the hands, in a lowered position when the foot enters the footwear and to bounce upwards after the foot has been inserted into the footwear itself.